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FALL 2025
IMPROVEMENT
THRIFT IT
HOW TO CREATE A COZY VINTAGE LOOK ON A BUDGET
PLUS... A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO FALL PLANTING & MORE! A Special Advertising Section of the Bangor Daily News • Friday, September 5, 2025
2 FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 5, 2025
Dark Sky-Friendly
Exterior Lighting
By Stephanie Bouchard
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utdoor lighting is intended to make our homes and gardens look beautiful in the evening, and provide a measure of safety and security. But numerous studies have shown it can also have a negative impact on our health and the health of the plants and wildlife we share our neighborhoods with, as well as make it harder to see the stars and planets. However, you can make dark sky-friendly exterior lighting choices that look good, provide safety, and won’t drain your bank account. When it was time for Nancy Hathaway to replace her exterior motion sensor light at her home in Surry, she went to her local hardware store and looked for light fixtures that met the requirements for reducing nighttime light pollution. “It’s really that simple,” said Hathaway, who is the president of Dark Sky Maine, a nonprofit chapter of DarkSky, an international organization that promotes and advocates for the protection of dark skies. You can walk into your local hardware or lighting store and find fixtures specifically labeled as being approved by DarkSky, or you can easily figure out which ones reduce light pollution on your own. But what to look for?
No Light Above The Horizontal Plane That means, said Dwight Lanpher, a lighting engineer based in Northeast Harbor who serves as a technical advisor to Dark Sky Maine, that a fixture should be
constructed in such a way that no light shines above the horizontal plane, which is the plane running through the lowest point of the fixture where light is emitted. In other words, the light bulb is shielded and casts the light down.
Recessed downlights and wallmounted fixtures that shield the light source from the top are good options, he said, but avoid lanterns, sconces, or flood lights where you can see straight-on the exposed light source — for example, period-
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 5, 2025
style fixtures with the light bulb enhances architectural and fully exposed. landscape details, and increases safety and security by eliminating A Warm Color Temperature the harsh washes of light that can The correlated color temperature cause blind spots where intruders (CCT) of a light bulb is printed on can hide. the box or spec sheet in the box, Aside from using lighting Lanpher said. This designation is fixtures that reduce light pollution, measured in kelvins. Aim for 3,000K a simple thing to do to reduce your or less; 2,700K is what DarkSky impact on the night sky (and reduce recommends. This yellower light, your electricity bill) is to turn off sometimes called “warm white,” exterior lights. minimizes harsher blue (cool) “If the light doesn’t need to be on, light. The result is a welcoming turn it off,” Lanpher said. light tone that doesn’t create light If you’re scatter or the harsh shadows of worried about cooler light, so it’s possible to see security, use into the shadows, which is what motion sensor you want for safety purposes. The lights. warmer light, Hathaway points “This is a out, also isn’t as attractive to bugs, much more including brown tail moths. effective way to scare off burglars than Low Wattages “Use only as much light that lots of light around the house,” he is needed for the application,” said. “It has been shown that too Lanpher said. If screw-in, much light can actually make it unshielded PAR lamps are installed difficult to see burglars if they are on every corner of a house, he said, able to hide in the glare.” To learn more about reducing “it’s over lit.” Using targeted lighting at the nighttime light pollution, check out lowest wattage necessary for the darksky.org or darkskymaine.com, use saves money on electricity, or talk to your electrician.
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4 FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 5, 2025
Is It Time for a Room Addition Project? Courtesy of Metro Creative o one enjoys being in cramped quarters. Whether a person battles a legitimate case of claustrophobia when confined in tight spaces or simply prefers a place to stretch out, there’s no denying the appeal of a little extra room. That’s particularly so at home, where cramped spaces can make it hard to unwind. When homeowners feel their walls are closing in on them, many choose to build space via a room addition. Room addition projects are extensive and expensive undertakings — the average add-on costs around $48,000, or more, depending on the size of the space and the features chosen. The financial commitment when
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adding a room is significant, but homeowners and residents also will need to prepare for a potentially lengthy disruption to their daily routines. Room addition projects typically take around three to four months. With so much at stake, homeowners who think they might benefit from a room addition can look for various signs to help them determine if such a project is right for them. Increasingly Cluttered Spaces: Cramped quarters without much space for people are perhaps the most notable sign that residents can benefit from some additional space in a home. Cluttered spaces suggest homeowners may have run out of
room for their stuff, and a custom addition can provide that extra room while contributing to a more calming ambiance in common spaces that may no longer be overwhelmed by papers, toys, and other items that can quickly take over a home that lacks space. Lifestyle Hurdles: Millions of homeowners like to entertain friends and family, and that’s more manageable for some than it is for others. If interior or exterior spaces do not accommodate hosting, a room addition that expands an existing kitchen or living room might be the ideal renovation project. Functionally Challenged: A home that no longer has enough space to meet your needs is another sign a room addition might be in order. This very issue emerged for millions of professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained a challenge ever since. Indeed, an increase in days spent working remotely has left many homeowners grateful to work from
home but desirous of a designated remote work space. A room addition to accommodate a home office can be just what remote workers need to restore fully functional status to their homes. Cost: While the sticker price of a home addition may (or may not) raise an eyebrow, the project is almost certain to prove more costeffective than moving. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the average sale price of a home in the United States reached $503,800 in January 2025. While that marked a roughly $16,000 decrease from a year earlier, it’s still a high figure that many homeowners aren’t willing to pay. A cost comparison detailing the price to move versus the price to build an addition may indicate that the latter option is a homeowner’s best bet. A room addition could be the perfect renovation project for homeowners who need more space but still prefer to stay put.
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 5, 2025
Now May Still Be a Good Time to Get or Refinance a Mortgage
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Courtesy of Downeast Credit Union
owneast Credit offers a variety of products sure to meet your mortgage needs. Whether you are purchasing or refinancing, we have the right solution for you!
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EARN
0.50% OFF* & A RATE REDUCTION ON A
A variety of Mortgage products offered at Downeast Credit Union: • Conventional, fixed rate mortgages from 10 to 30-year terms • This includes modular home financing • Serviced in-house for you by a local team to call with questions and pay directly at a local branch
• Manufactured home financing up to 30 years • Members who own their own land can now finance their single, doublewide or modular homes, that are five years old or newer, at the same rates as traditional mortgages at DECU. • In-house servicing for peace of mind and convenience
• Government lending options • Veterans Affairs • Maine State Housing Program • Federal Housing Administration Loans • Rural Housing Loans (USDA)
If you finance your mortgage with one of Downeast’s in-house loan products, we offer some outstanding incentives: • 0.50% loyalty rate discount off in-house financing • One Loyal Member at Downeast Credit Union just closed on her modular home loan and is saving $20,329 in mortgage interest with the 0.50% Loyalty Discount!
Conventional Fixed-Rate Mortgages, Single & Doublewide Financing (at stick-built rates), Government Lending Options, Refinances
• A rate reduction offer during the first 5 years of your mortgage if rates go down! • This is offered without the hassle of refinancing, saving you time on paperwork and money on closing costs. This can save thousands of dollars on a refinance!
“These Loyalty Discounts can mean tens of thousands of dollars to a Member!” explains Tonia Lanier, Senior Vice President of Lending and Internal Operations at DECU. “If you have a $250,000 mortgage at a 30-year term, the half percent loyalty discount will save you $29,000 in interest over the life of the loan. Then the option to reduce your rate in the near future without the expenses of a full refinance can mean even more significant savings.” Continued on page 7
207.454.9007
www.downeastcu.com/realestate
Our Loyalty Discount offers
$29,000 in average savings!^
*Mortgage loyalty discount of 0.50% offered on new loans after 1/9/24. To qualify for loyalty discount, members must maintain a checking account with at least $1,000/month in direct deposits and 10 debit card transactions/month for the life of the loan. Members sign an addendum to reduce the interest rate based on qualifications; if at any time the qualifications are not met the rate will revert back to the qualifying rate. 2) For mortgages opened after 2/28/24, members may apply for a one-time, no-fee mortgage loan Rate Reduction within 5 years of the mortgage opening date, after which the 0.50% loyalty discount becomes void. All loans subject to credit approval; rates are based on credit worthiness. Terms and closing costs may vary. All Credit Union loan programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. The Credit Union makes loans without regard to race, religion, or other discriminatory factors. ^Average savings of $29,000 based on a $250,000 mortgage for 30-years with the 0.50% interest rate reduction for Loyal Members. Downeast Credit Union NMLS ID# is 531655. Federally Insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.
6 FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 5, 2025
Thrift it for By Katie Smith
How to Create a Cozy Vintage Look on a Budget
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oesn’t fall in Maine feel like a warm hug? So many of us love nothing more than to create a home that reflects the season outside. Maybe it’s the slant of the golden sun or the way the air smells like apples and leaves. It’s the season of baking, cozying up with a blanket and a good book, and bringing warmth back into your home. And the good news is you don’t need a big budget to do it. Whether you’re craving that old school, New England vibe and want to redo your space with warm plaids, knit pillows, and rustic woods, or you’d like
to bring in some amber glass and back of your mind while shopping stores and second-hand shops are loaded with things like this so no brass candlesticks to one room, you for other pieces. need to pay full price. can’t beat thrifting to get it done on Wooden Cutting a budget.
Think Local, Layer Slowly Search second-hand shops for the perfect pieces. If you’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, scan your favorite magazines or make a Pinterest board. Start with one piece that you can’t live without and build from there. Maybe it’s a perfect buffalo plaid blanket or a carved wood bowl that would look great on your dining room table filled with pinecones. Whatever it is, use that as your inspiration and keep it in the
Boards and Bowls These can be used all year round, but are especially great in the fall. Cutting boards can be displayed in your kitchen against the wall, like a piece of art. And wooden bowls can be filled with all kinds of things from pomegranates, to apples, to birch branches. The good news is that most thrift
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 5, 2025
Candle Sticks for an Instant Glow-up Candlesticks are so fun, eclectic, and can be found in many shapes, sizes, and colors. The best part is they’re not expensive, they can be painted the color of your choice, and they don’t take up a lot of room so they can be displayed anywhere from a skinny shelf to your kitchen windowsill. Get different shapes and sizes in different heights for an eclectic look. If you’re going for something a little more elevated, opt for matching candlesticks or choose a variety of different ones and paint them all the same color.
Bring on the Blankets Nothing says cozy like seeing plush blankets thrown over the arm of the couch, spilling out of a basket, or folded at the end of the bed. Here’s where you can have some fun with color and change them as the seasons turn. Local thrift shops and secondhand stores are loaded with all different kinds of blankets so you can find one that will fit your decor. Display idea: If you have a wooden ladder, drape one over that or layer a few at the end of your bed. Whether you’re decorating your first home, or just switching out a few pieces for the cozy season, you don’t have to spend a fortune to make your home feel like autumn in Maine. Just a little patience and plenty of room in your vehicle.
Continued from page 5 In addition to new home purchases, DECU also works with members on refinances. While Mortgage rates may still be higher than in past years, there can be scenarios where refinancing now makes sense, including: • If your existing interest rate is higher than what you qualify for now. Perhaps you’ve been working to repair or build your credit and have made great strides to increase your score. You may qualify for a better rate or terms and decide to refinance. • If you are interested in changing the terms of your mortgage for a more favorable payment. • If you have built up equity in your home and you’d like to roll in highinterest debt to help save money on interest. When it comes to real estate lending, each scenario is unique. Downeast Credit Union is dedicated to guiding you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and informed homebuying experience tailored specifically for Maine residents and credit union members.
Learn more at www.downeastcu.com/realestate.
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8 FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 5, 2025
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5 Ways to Use a HELOC this Fall
1.00% OFF & NO CLOSING COSTS *
ON A
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Courtesy of Downeast Credit Union
ap into the equity of your home this fall with a Home Equity Line of Credit. Downeast Credit Union is offering 1.00% off the qualifying rate plus no closing costs to their Loyal Members who have an active checking account. If you aren’t yet a Member of Downeast, it’s easy to become one and earn the Loyal status right off. “We often suggest adding a HELOC to your financial portfolio — it can be a great option to fall back on in emergencies like your furnace needs to be replaced or you need a new roof,” states DECU Mortgage Loan Originator, Carly Kneeland. “And don’t worry if your Mortgage Loan isn’t with DECU, we can still look at opening a Home Equity at Downeast.” A Home Equity Line of Credit is a type of loan secured by the equity in your home, similar to a revolving line like a credit card. You can borrow against the available equity in your home, and as you repay the outstanding balance, the amount of available credit replenishes. You can borrow funds as needed, making it a great option for ongoing expenses like home renovations or tuition. Plus, the interest paid on a HELOC may be tax-deductible so you’ll want to check with your tax advisor for eligibility.
Here are five ways to use a HELOC this fall: • Home Sweet Home — Give your home a makeover with renovations and upgrades to add value, function and charm.
Use the equity in your home for renovations, upgrades, travel, education or debt consolidation.
• Don’t Be Left in the Dark — Invest in a backup generator or solar power to keep the lights on through all the winter storms that will be heading our way. • Make a Splash — Turn your back yard into the oasis of your dreams with a new hot tub to keep you warm all winter.
207.454.9007 www.downeastcu.com/heloc
HELOC rates start at
• Vacation Memories — Cherish time traveling on a family vacation and make memories that last a lifetime.
for Loyal Members**
• Take Control of your Finances — Consolidate higher-interest loans or credit cards and work your way to being debt-free.
6.50%
*HELOC Terms and closing costs may vary. As of 8/25/25, the variable APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for home equity lines of credit ranges from 7.50% to 11.50%. This interest rate is subject to change with the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate but will not be less than 4.00% or exceed 18.00%APR. Payment is 1.5% of outstanding balance for example a $20,000 HELOC would cost $300 per month. Upon application, some members may be required to place a $200 deposit on hold in their savings account that may go toward any services requested during the application process; funds will be released back to the member if they are eligible for the noclosing cost HELOC option. Draw period is up to 6-years but will be reviewed at 3 years with a soft credit pull to qualify for an additional 3-year term. Property Insurance is required. Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest. Some additional restrictions may apply. **Loyalty Discounts: to qualify, member must have an active DECU checking account with at least $1,000/month in direct deposits and 10 debit card transactions/month at the time of the HELOC closing. 1) The Credit Union pays closing costs on home equity lines of credit for Loyal Members up to $100,000 on primary residence and must be stick-built homes only; mobile and double-wide homes do not qualify. The Credit Union will not pay any fees associated with surveys or any curative title work that may be required in order to perfect a lien, nor will the Credit Union pay the costs of a full appraisal if required; all such fees and costs are the client’s responsibility. Fees associated with opening a DECU home equity line of credit generally range from $0-$1,056. 2) Qualifying Loyal Members may receive a 1.00%APR Rate Reduction off their current qualifying rate. Loyalty rate reductions are dependent on your continued eligibility over the life of the loan. Offer good as of 8/25/25 for a limited time and may end at any time. Federally Insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.
“We’ve recently seen a lot of Members using their DECU HELOC to pay off credit card debt,” adds Kneeland. “Since HELOC rates are typically lower than credit card rates, it can be a great option to consolidate. I just saved a family $18,800 in credit card interest plus another $530 in closing costs with a Loyal Member HELOC.”
Learn more so you can enjoy 1.00% off your Home Equity at www.downeastcu.com/heloc.
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 5, 2025
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Remedies for Creaky Floors
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ardwood floors are coveted features in many homes. The National Wood Flooring Association says wood floors are the most environmentally friendly flooring options available. In the United States, the hardwood forests that provide flooring products are growing twice as fast as they are being harvested. Furthermore, wood floors can last for many generations and require fewer raw materials to produce than other flooring options. That means less waste may end up in landfills. Hardwood floors can endure for decades in a home, but over time those same floors may need some tender loving care to keep them looking good and working as they
should. Squeaky floors are a common nuisance that homeowners may experience. Squeaking is often caused by movement and friction between floorboards. Treating the problem involves identifying the underlying issue.
Loose Hardware
is a great way to fix squeaks without damaging the floor. Once the source of the squeak is located, drill a 3/32inch pilot hole through the hardwood flooring. Then insert a screw through the kit’s depth-control fixture and into the pilot hole, and drive it until it automatically snaps off below the wood surface. Follow this up by filling the hole with wood putty that matches the floor color. Once the putty is dry, lightly sand the area to blend.
Squeaky floors may be due to the loosening of the hardware holding the floor in place. When nails or screws no longer are secured tightly, the boards can rub together. The noise heard is the sound produced Use a Shim by rubbing. Tightening or replacing Sometimes the floor may squeak bethe hardware can help reduce the cause of a gap between the joists and squeaking. the subfloor. Filling the gap with a Counter-Snap Kit Method small piece of wood called a shim This Old House says this kit method can help alleviate the gap or gaps.
Small Gaps For small gaps between boards, sprinkle talcum powder or powdered graphite between squeaky boards to reduce friction. Wood filler applied with a putty knife also may work. For larger gaps, use a liquid filler designed for wood floors. Homeowners also can visit their local hardstore store for other solutions designed for underfloor repairs to remedy squeaks. Many work from underneath the floor and involve mounting plates or brackets to sure up the floor. Squeaky floors can be problematic, but noises can be banished with some repair work.
10 FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 5, 2025
A Beginner’s Guide to
Fall Planting and Maintenance Courtesy of Metro Creative
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pring and summer are perhaps the busiest times of year for gardeners. However, fall also is a prime time to tend to gardens. Fall is often the ideal time to plant, fertilize, and keep a garden going or to get a head start on next year’s bounty. Here are some tips to make the most of the fall gardening season.
Think about fall annuals and bulb planting. Near the end of September, start planting cool-weather-loving pansies and violas for pops of color as summer flowers fade. Also, it’s a good idea to stock up on bulbs that will bloom in the months to come before they sell out in stores. Wait until the temperatures really cool down before planting them in desired spots for spring sprouts.
Sow salad seeds.
Lettuce, spinach, radishes, and arugula tolerate cooler temperatures.
Try new and interesting lettuce va- enjoyed next year as well, sprouting rennials, gathering seed pods from rieties and enjoy salads well into the in early spring and developing leaves azaleas and rhododendrons, and and buds through late summer. dividing hardwood cuttings, says fall season. the resource Gardening Know How. Consult with a garden center or horTake inventory of the sun. Clean up unwanted growth. Positioning a garden carefully means Fall is an ideal time to cut back spent ticulturist on the proper ways to maximizing hours of sunlight, which vegetable plants and get rid of errant propagate stems using rooting horbegin to dwindle in the fall. Experts weeds. Rather than bagging leaves, mone and other techniques. say gardens grow best in sunny loca- mow them with a grass catcher and tions that receive six hours of direct then add the mix to a vegetable gar- Continue to water plants. sunlight each day. This is where con- den as an excellent soil insulator. Water is essential in the fall and tainer gardens can be helpful, as they The nitrogen and carbon will fertil- winter as roots can still be growing. allow gardeners to move plants into ize the soil, enhancing growing pos- Gradually reduce watering duraspots that will get ample sunlight. sibilities and limiting weed growth. tion as plants go dormant. Fall planting and maintenance can extend the gardening season Fill in landscaping gaps. Propagate plants in the fall. Some fall plants can add color As temperatures gradually begin to and improve the chances of growing around the landscape and brighten cool, start taking cuttings from pe- a healthy spring garden. up homes to add curb appeal. In addition to pansies and violas, asters, kale, and chrysanthemums are fall blooms. Keep in mind that mums can come back year after year. So take them out of those flower pots and get them into the ground. They can be
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 5, 2025
Signs It’s Time to Replace Gutters Courtesy of Metro Creative
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ome improvement projects run the gamut from complex undertakings like room additions to simpler renovations like a new front door. Some home renovations excite homeowners more than others, but all improvements are a way to make a home safer, more comfortable, and/or more functional. A gutter replacement might not inspire the same level of excitement as a room addition or an overhaul of an outdoor living space, but new gutters can help to prevent roof damage and make properties safer by ensuring rain water is directed away from walkways. Homeowners who suspect it might be time for a gutter replacement can look for these signs of fading gutters.
begins to flake, gutters will begin to rust, and may even produce noticeable rust flakes on the ground below. Rust on gutters and rust flakes beneath them are indicative of gutters that need to be replaced. Gutters Pulling Away from the Home: Gutters that appear to be pulling away from the home likely need to be replaced. Gutters are fastened to a home during installation, which ensures they can withstand rain and water. Over time, those fasteners can wear down. Though gutters can be refastened, eventually they will need to be replaced.
Pooling Water: Pooling water in a gutter may just be a sign that gutters need to be cleaned. However, pooling water on the ground directly beneath gutters indiCracks or Splits: Cracks or splits at the seams of the cates they’re not effectively directing gutters where two pieces connect is a water away from the home. telltale sign they need to be replaced. Water Damage Inside: Cracks or splits can slowly lead to A home’s interior might not be the separation of gutter pieces, which first place homeowners look when will lead to leaks. But not all cracks inspecting for damaged gutters, but or splits are found at the seams. In a flooded basement or crawl space fact, some homes feature seamless could indicate a gutter problem. Gutgutters, which also can crack or split. ters and downspouts are designed Regardless of where they’re found, to direct water away from a home cracks or splits are a warning sign of when functioning properly. When fading gutters. that isn’t happening, water can pool beneath the foundation, leading to Rust: Rust is rarely a good sign whether pooling water and other water damyou’re looking at a vehicle or even age in basements and crawl spaces. Gutter replacement projects may garden tools. Rust also is a bad sign in relation to gutters. Gutters are paint- not be exciting, but new gutters can ed, and not only for aesthetic pur- make a home safer and prolong the poses. Paint on gutters also serves to life of a roof and other features on a protect them from water. When paint property.
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12 FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • September 5, 2025