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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION OF THE BANGOR DAILY NEWS

2020

Welcome

HOME Publisher RICHARD J. WARREN Editor & Designer AMY ALLEN Advertising Sales JEFF ORCUTT jorcutt@bangordailynews.com Creative Services Manager CORALIE CROSS Creative Services MARCIE COOMBS, BEN CYR, CALLIE PICARD, CAROLINA RAVE Cover Image ©UNITEDPHOTOSTUDIO/ ADOBE STOCK To advertise in our next edition, please call 990-8134 or email advertising@bangordailynews.com. © 2020 Bangor Daily News. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without express written consent. Requests for permission to copy, reprint, or duplicate any content should be directed to advertising@bangordailynews.com

Contents

02 THE STATE OF MAINE REAL ESTATE 06 LET’S BUILD A TREE HOUSE

10 KITCHEN INSPIRATION 22 HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS 26 YOU NEED A “REAL” HOME OFFICE 30 V IS FOR VEGETABLES 32 AL FRESCO AT HOME

bangordailynews.com

PHOTO: ©ARTJAFARA/ADOBE STOCK

PO Box 1329 Bangor, ME 04402-1329

bangordailynews.com • 1

BUY &

Sell

THE STATE OF

MAINE

REAL ESTATE DESPITE THE PANDEMIC, IT MAY STILL BE A GOOD TIME TO BUY OR SELL YOUR HOME

BY KATIE BINGHAM SMITH

somewhere in between, just the thought of buying or selling can feel like a huge task and enough to make anyone put it off. It may never feel like the right time to take the plunge as there are many things to consider: Where do I want to live? Should I hire a moving company? What are the interest rates? How can I prepare my home to be shown to potential buyers? How much money will I qualify to borrow?

A good place to start (after taking a deep breath) is to talk to a trusted realtor and get the feel for the market right now. Craig Candage, a real estate agent from Porch Light Real Estate Group let us in on what’s going on in the current market, saying it’s definitely a seller’s market these days. “There are more buyers than sellers in the market. Due to supply and demand, sellers have an advantage in our current market.”

What has the market been doing this year? 2020 started out really strong in real estate.

The Maine Association of Realtors reports an increase every month of 2020 before the pandemic hit. There was a slow down in May — sales were down 21.34 percent in May of 2020 compared to May of 2019, while prices were on the rise with a “median sales price increase of 3.43 percent,” according to the report.

In Hancock County, for example, sales were down from March 1 to May 31 by 22.96 percent, but the median price of a home was up 10.06 percent.

Things have been a little different than predicted this spring after COVID-19 hit.

Candage explains after interest rates dropped due to the stock market having sell-offs, his company “immediately went into a market seeing $25,000 to $35,000 over asking and 5 to 10 offers on every house.”

In Candage’s 11 years as a realtor, he’s never seen interest rates drop this low saying, “I had a buyer quoted a 2.650 percent for a 30-year fixed rate. That’s extremely low and definitely a reason to look at buying.” The low rates are helping people get more home for their money.

Peter Collier, an experienced Associate Broker with the Lynam Real Estate Agency based in Bar Harbor and serving Hancock County, explains he saw properties holding pretty steady to 2019 prices, although some sellers were forced to drop prices at the

PHOTO: ©MONKEY BUSINESS/ ADOBE STOCK

WHETHER YOU ARE a first-time home buyer, looking to downsize your home, or

13.35%

NUMBER OF HOUSING UNITS FOR SALE STATEWIDE IN SECOND QUARTER OF 2020

3.37%

INCREASE IN MEDIAN HOME SALES PRICE IN PENOBSCOT COUNTY — TO $155,000

3.43%

INCREASE IN MEDIAN HOME SALES PRICE STATEWIDE — TO $237,900

According to the Maine Housing Report, June 2020

bangordailynews.com • 3

Sell

4 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2020

start of the pandemic. Things have turned around since and Collier reports, “More recently I’ve seen prices even increasing on listings, and properties selling for over asking price and then rising since COVID-19 hit.”

According to the Maine Housing Report, “Sales of Maine’s single-family homes eased in May, due to effects from COVID-19 and limited supply, however, value and demand for available homes remained strong.”

Collier says despite a drop earlier this spring, he’s hopeful the rest of the summer will fare well for all. “It feels like July and August will be very busy if trends hold,” he says.

Prices and rising demand for homes aren’t the only things Collier has seen change since the pandemic.

“People place greater value on our natural attributes — open space, plentiful water, small communities — in a more visceral way,” he says. Buyers are primarily concerned with getting a piece of Maine to call their own at a fair price, but now they also seem to be placing higher value on things like acreage, access to nature, and proximity to neighbors.

Since the pandemic, all realtors have made the necessary changes to keep everyone safe so you can still look for a new home, and put yours on the market with peace of mind.

“We are required to wear a mask, gloves, and shoe covers,” Candage said. “I also invested in a 3D camera to make tours of my listing for the buyers who are not comfortable going to see a house in person.

As a result, we are seeing a lot more homes purchased sight unseen.”

Collier adds while risks remain, and “other parts of the country grapple with challenges related to people living in such close proximity to one another,” he feels Maine’s open spaces and unparalleled quality of life stand out, suggesting perhaps that our real estate market may have an edge in the ‘new normal.’

It seems even with the pandemic having an effect on businesses for months, with interest rates as low as they are and sellers getting above their asking price, it’s still a strong time to buy or sell your home. If you are feeling unsure or have questions, reach out to a realtor for help. They are trained to educate you and ensure you get all the information you need before making a move.

PHOTOS: ©SEANLOCKEPHOTOGRAPHY; ©PROSTOCK-STUDIO/ADOBE STOCK

BUY &

TREE

House

Let’s Build a

TREE HOUSE EXPERT DESIGNERS AND BUILDERS OFFER TREE HOUSE BUILDING TIPS — FROM THE SIMPLE TO THE EXTRAORDINARY

BY ERINNE MAGEE

or another, you’ve probably imagined a tree house nestled between the oaks and maples in your backyard.

For many, the next thought is probably along the lines of ‘where would I even begin?’

Krista Stokes, a Maine-based designer who helped bring to life the magical new addition of the Treetop Lodges to Hidden Pond, a resort in Kennebunkport, says the key for families to achieve their tree house dreams is really just to start somewhere, keeping in mind you can always add to the project later.

“Your goal is to simply be sheltered while enjoying nature,” Stokes said. “Everything after that is just a bonus.”

In fact, Hidden Pond’s Treetop Lodges aren’t technically in the trees at all, but stilted just above the ground in a heavily wooded area, giving the feel of bringing the outside in.

If your yard doesn’t have the ideal trees, building a makeshift tree house amongst the trees will still provide families with the means of being surrounded by nature, together.

Another alternative to a traditional tree house is a tree tent, which just requires a platform (elevated or otherwise). Weather depending, Stokes said in a pinch, tarps and sheets tied to branches with the addition of string lights can really transport you to having the full experience.

While Ryan Eldridge and his Maine Cabin Masters team aren’t necessarily in the tree house business, some of the same concepts can be used. His creative twist to a tree house is reusing or upcycling things like doors and windows to use as privacy walls or dividers on a porch or patio.

“Using old building materials for outside structures is a good way to give them new life and give your yard a different feel,” said Eldridge, also pointing out that a small lean-to in the corner of the yard can be a great place to read a book or just relax and watch nature. “It is amazing how a small wall or two can give your yard a new feel and a little more privacy.”

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Inside one of the Treetop Lodges at Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport.

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY KRISTA STOKES

AT ONE TIME

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PHOTO: ©MARIA/ADOBE STOCK

TREE

House

But for those looking to have the traditional tree house structure, the right lumber is a necessity. Stokes recommends cedar, teak, mahogany or ipe as ideal hardwoods that can withstand the elements.

For something more cost effective, pressuretreated pine, oak or similar are readily available and easy to work with, but not as weather resistant.

From there comes the platform. Kevin Mooney, who owns and operates the popular Mohicans Treehouse Resort in Glenmont, Ohio, recommends finding two sturdy trees when possible, with the reminder that trees 8 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2020

grow and move so your project has to take that into account when building your platform.

Next, Mooney advises to research and choose the proper fasteners and bolts that are specific for attaching structures to trees. There are various types and sizes with multiple uses and weight limits. As always, consider not damaging the trees when choosing your tools.

“Once you have your platform in place, the hard part is over and you can get creative with the rest of the build,” said Mooney.

If you’re looking to set the tree house apart from the rest, Mooney suggests thinking outside the box. Instead of going for a 8'x

8' or 10'x10' box, a bold choice could be designing a unique silhouette, like an octagonor hexagon-shaped structure or perhaps you can implement a slanted or diagonal ceiling.

Reaching the tree house depends on how the structure is supported. If it’s elevated then ladders made of rope or wood, or long ramps (which could be handicapped accessible) are a must. If it’s low to the ground, Stokes says, spending time cobbling together pathways made out of sticks or rocks is a fun way to give a personal touch.

“Yards and outdoor spaces are especially treasured,” said Stokes. “Your yard is a space

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY KEVIN MOONEY

Kevin Mooney, owner of Mohicans Treehouse Resort in Ohio, suggests thinking beyond traditional silhouettes, like with his Tin Shed Treehouse shown here.

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where anything goes. Whether that’s playing games and running around or enjoying frozen drinks and lobster bakes. People really enjoy any excuse to just hang out in the outdoors.”

Especially now.

“What we used to enjoy about our backyard before isn’t necessarily the case anymore,” said Mooney. “Most of us are feeling very closed-in and isolated, even as a family. I think that the important thing now is to give your space a different role and feel, so that you aren’t viewing it as an extension of the four walls you’ve been stuck in during quarantine.”

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bangordailynews.com • 9

LET’S DESIGN A HOME YOU’LL LOVE CHANGE CAN BE BEAUTIFUL, SIMPLE & EASY. COURTESY OF PERRY’S HOME FURNISHINGS & DESIGN

AT PERRY'S HOME, we know having a home you truly LOVE is something you’ll enjoy for many years to come. Now that we’ve all been spending more time at home, most of us can’t help but reimagine how things could function and feel better for ourselves and for our families. A few of the most frequently asked questions we get are about color choices, mixing fabric patterns, floor planning, best fabric choices for having pets or children and making choices without being able to visualize the room… so what are the next steps to take?

We’ll make it easy! Even though it’s very exciting to make improvements to your home, the process can often be overwhelming and taking the first step can be the most difficult thing about getting started.

STEP 1 is simply reaching out to us to set up an appointment — call, message or email. From there, we’ll work together to translate your dreams into decisions that result in a room you’ll truly LOVE.

STEP 2, we’ll meet in the shop, at your home, using FaceTime video or Zoom... whatever is best for you. We’re really flexible and will accommodate whatever you need. We’ll gather information, photos, room measurements and your ideas and inspirations for your finished project. From there we’ll pinpoint the things you LOVE and what works together in your room and in your style.

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STEP 3, we’ll schedule a presentation once your design is prepared so you’ll get to see just how your new room looks and feels. We specialize in a 3D Rendering Design Service that allows you to see everything before you commit to a change in your home. We’ll also have you see and touch the fabrics and finishes and sit in pieces to confirm what feels best to you, making any changes along the way. We’ll layer in lighting, rugs, pillows, decorative accessories and any other finishing touches that will let you love it even more. As we pull it all together, the anticipation for your new room is bound to grow!

STEP 4, we’ll deliver and install your room. All that’s left is for you to enjoy the transformation!

Creating a home you truly LOVE is a process, so we’re patient and won’t rush it. We want to get it just right for you. It’s like having your best friend help you design your home! And did we mention our 3D Rendering Design Services are FREE? Our roots run deep in the community our family calls home. The property where Perry’s Home Furnishings & Design is located was settled in the early 1800’s. Doug and Dotty Perry cut the ribbon 42 years ago in front of the original barn they renovated as Perry’s Furniture and Appliance. Kim, their daughter, took over and grew it to three floors of home furnishings and accessories in the same restored barn with a few additions and surrounded by the original stone walls, fruit trees and pastures with horses grazing on the family homestead. The showroom spaces are set up how you might see rooms in your own home, making it easy for you to imagine and be inspired. It’s like no other experience you’ve ever had shopping for your home. With over 42 years of experience and having built a reputation on trust and doing what is right for each customer, we’re certainly here to stay.

We love what we do. There’s so much joy and inspiration in helping people navigate the process of creating homes they love, whether it’s one small addition at a time, a room refresh, or an entire home. And we love sharing our shop with you, helping you to gather inspiration and showing you how to begin to take the steps towards truly loving your home. The smiles and hugs of excitement and delight from our customers are always a sign we’ve done our job well. Let us help you create a safe haven and a comfortable retreat, a home you’ll enjoy for many years to come.

We don’t want you to just like it, we want you to truly LOVE it! Change CAN be beautiful, simple and easy. Are you ready to get started?

DESIGN

Inspiration

DOWN TO THE STUDS The current owners of this 1910 Bangor Box undertook a full renovation in 2016, “right down to the studs.” They incorporated inspiration from a number of styles in their redesign: Shaker, modern New England, Scandinavian and Mission-Traditional.

The kitchen is open concept with a large island, Shaker cabinets with black matte hardware and glass doors at the top for displays and a handmade tile backsplash. Countertops are engineered white quartz Silestone and all appliances are stainless steel with a Sharp drawer-style microwave. LED can lights are found throughout the first floor with pendants over the island and art lights on the walls. Flooring is quarter sawn white oak, an online find from Florida, with radiant heat downstairs.

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KITCHEN Inspiration ALL PHOTOS BY JOEL HOLCOMB

DESIGN INSPIRATION

can be drawn from anywhere — history, TV shows, magazine pages, but there’s nothing quite like drawing inspiration from real life. The annual Northern Light EMMC Auxiliary Kitchen Tour offers a sneak peek into real-life kitchens all over greater Bangor. Attendees can see how different designs and aesthetics work in the real world — and envision how they could be incorporated into their own homes.

Like so many events, this year’s annual Kitchen Tour has been cancelled, but we can still look back at 2019’s stunning kitchen designs while we eagerly anticipate future tours.

The kitchens featured here run a gamut of sizes, styles and materials from which to draw inspiration for your own kitchen remodel.

All proceeds from the 2019 Kitchen Tour and other EMMC Auxiliary events benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Northern Light EMMC. While the 2020 tour has been cancelled, you can still support this important cause by donating at northernlighthealth.org/Locations/Foundation/Ways-To-Give.

For more information on future Auxiliary events, visit emmcauxiliary.org.

bangordailynews.com • 13

DESIGN

Inspiration

A custom Hoosier-style cabinet with a butcher block counter serves as a baking station for the homeowner’s daughter.

ITALIAN FARMHOUSE Appliances include a Bertazonni Italian five-burner range and hood, stainless steel refrigerator and dishwasher, and an Electrolux warming drawer.

14 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2020

A large portion of this 1848 Italianate farmhouse was renovated in 2018 to expand the kitchen, create a cold storage room between the kitchen and the barn, and reconfigure a large mudroom/laundry space to add a half bath and divide the spaces more equitably.

The kitchen design was inspired by the Matisse painting “The Red Room,” a favorite of the homeowners, with its color palate and patterned wallpaper. The homeowners love to cook and designed the kitchen to maximize function while remaining true to the period elements of the home.

They added a command center, charging station, and lots of counter and storage space. The kitchen cabinets are natural cherry wood with soapstone countertops. The adjacent butler’s pantry and original built-in cabinetry was updated with Cararra marble countertops.

COZY COTTAGE Built in 2014, this cottage-style home was purchased by the owner prior to its official listing mostly because she loved the bright and traditional kitchen design with ample counterspace.

The unique cabinets are a distressed cream color with cherry crown molding for contrast. Granite-look Formica covers the large movable island and counters. There are open work areas and plenty of storage. The appliances are all stainless steel including the gas stove and double oven. Can lighting is found in the work areas with pendants over the island in oil-rubbed bronze with frosted tan shades.

Flooring is wood-look laminate in a “rustic” look.

Give your open concept space more flexibility — this large kitchen island is movable!

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DESIGN

Inspiration

FROM OLD TO NEW This 1946 farmhouse had a new kitchen built in 2018 along with a living area added to double the footprint. The old kitchen was transformed into a mudroom with Savannah Gray brick-style tile on the floor.

Reds, natural wood tones and animal art graces this spectacular kitchen.

White, solid wood cabinets with countertops of white quartz with gray veining, an island with red cupboards and a butcher block top, and a backsplash of custom Savannah Gray brick-style tiles and chrome Grohe faucets adorn the area. Appliances include a cabinet-front Sub-Zero refrigerator and full-size freezer, Thermador range, double oven, a Miele speed oven, two dishwashers and a pot filler. The homeowner is a gourmet cook and baker and that shows in the design of this kitchen. The layout is ideal for large scale cooking, baking and entertaining and incorporates many special features, like pop-up outlets in the island, to maximize function.

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A 2018 renovation included converting the home’s previous living room into a formal dining room and a ž bath.

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DESIGN

Inspiration

18 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2020

TRANSITIONAL MODERN Built in 1936, this modern-transitional style home had a complete first floor renovation in 2016 to create a more open floor plan. The kitchen features a wonderfully functional workspace for homeowners who love to cook together, with excellent lighting, a serene color palette, floor-to-ceiling Starmark white cabinets with slight distressing, chrome hardware, black flecked granite countertops and an undermounted stainless steel sink with a glass LED pendant hanging overhead. Appliances are stainless steel with a drawer-style microwave. The floor is white marble tile in the kitchen with original oak hardwood throughout the remainder of the home.

bangordailynews.com • 19

DESIGN

Inspiration

20 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2020

Cabinetry Tile

Countertops Design

AN ARTFUL TOUCH A burst pipe in 2018 hastened the renovation of the kitchen and dining area of this 1932 home.

The resulting design is eclectic with personal touches reflective of the homeowners’ personalities and travels.

During the renovation everything in the kitchen was replaced and a master suite was added to the rear of the first floor. Their design choices were heavily influenced by their love of the Kettle’s Yard Museum in Cambridge, England, with layering and art in every room. Cherry cabinet boxes with black, distressed beadboard fronts line the kitchen. In a few key spots, glass-fronted cabinet doors were chosen to showcase the cherry.

Granite countertops in “Scottish Meadow” are bordered by a backsplash of large-scale rectangular tiles in a running bond pattern.

Appliances are all stainless steel.

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HOME

Projects

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PROJECTS WHICH PROJECTS GIVE YOU THE BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

BY JOSH DEAKIN

can increase the value of your property. This is especially important when factoring in all of the challenges that have occurred this year. The market for buying a new house has shrunk considerably in these times of uncertainty. Covid-19 has affected everyone in some way, but if you’re trying to sell your house, you may want to take into consideration a few home improvements that could help your home appear even more attractive to prospective buyers. With budgets on every homeowner’s mind, it’s important to know which improvements give you the biggest bang for your buck and the best return on your investment.

22 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2020

ADDING A BATHROOM Installing a second bathroom in a home that may only have one is a great way to increase the value of your home for resale.

It’s practical and at times a necessity for larger families. But finding the space can be tricky and you may need to think outside the box. It could be as easy as converting a larger closet into a bathroom or more complex like creating new walls to section off a living room. If it comes down to it, an extension to your home might create the ideal space for a second bathroom.

“For decades, the best return on an owner’s renovation dollars have been kitchen and baths. This is still very true,” said local realtor Kurtis Marsh. If a full bathroom isn’t a reasonable option for your space, a ¾ bath is a good alternative.

“Bathrooms are deal breakers (or makers) in a home sale, and buyers will place a hard minimum on their number of desired baths,” according to homelight. com. It may not be feasible logistically for a larger family to purchase a home with only one bathroom. Adding a second opens up the potential market to a much larger pool. If you’ve ever had to wait to use the bathroom in your own home, you understand how inconvenient it can be to only have one available.

PHOTO: ©JAVANI LLC/ADOBE STOCK

IT’S WELL KNOWN that certain home improvement projects

REPLACING COUNTERTOPS According to granitegold.com, “Installing countertops made of granite or another type of natural stone can potentially increase your home’s value by up to 25 percent of its retail value.” Granite has maintained a popularity among homeowners over the years. It’s a classic look that’s very appealing to potential homebuyers. Granite itself is durable and strong. With proper cleaning and care, it can last the life of the home. It’s difficult to scratch which is a great feature for the kitchen where sharp and hot objects are often found.

Granite is low maintenance and requires only cleaning, sealing, and polishing. There are granite specific cleaning products available to streamline the process even further. The environmentally conscious should feel at ease as well — granite’s a natural option for countertops that requires no manufacturing process.

“RENOVATING A KITCHEN, [WHETHER] IT’S ALL NEW OR JUST DOING COUNTERTOPS AND ADDING STAINLESS APPLIANCES, IS BY FAR THE BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.” —KURTIS MARSH

PHOTO: ©IRIANA SHIYAN/ADOBE STOCK

NEW APPLIANCES Stainless steel appliances are still considered in style and have been for over a decade. A matching fridge and stove set could set your home apart from others in the neighborhood that haven’t bothered to update with the years.

HARDWOOD FLOORING Hardwood flooring also assists in selling a home. It’s something that’s very attractive to potential buyers. If real hardwood flooring is too expensive, there are laminate options that still look fantastic and are easy to install. If you’re tired of the outdated carpet in your living room, laminate flooring planks are a quick and cost effective solution to give your house a fresh updated look. bangordailynews.com • 23

HOME

CREATE AN OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE While we are all spending so much time at home these days, outdoor living areas are fast becoming an essential talking point for home sales. People are anxious to get back to normal and have a summer full of gatherings with family and friends. One way to make gatherings possible is an outdoor living area.

“Outdoor space is more important in my opinion than ever before because folks are spending more time at home, and having outdoor space can really add to a home’s appeal — and therefore its price,” said Marsh.

There are several different avenues to take when installing an outdoor living area.

There’s the classic patio or deck which is on 24 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2020

the lower cost end of the spectrum and adds to your home’s value — up to a 100 percent return on investment when the time comes to sell the property.

If you have the space and budget, a swimming pool can also be a nice addition to your outdoor living area. While it will add to your regular maintenance routine, it will raise your property value and provide a great way to stay cool in the hot summer months.

For a more unique outdoor living area, consider an outdoor kitchen. While on the more expensive end of the spectrum, it’s a creative answer to adding more space for outdoor gatherings. A step above the standard fire pit or grilling area, an outdoor kitchen provides a full dinner experience that the whole family can enjoy.

There are many options to increase your home’s value and get it ready to post on the market. Keep the property value of the neighborhood in mind as you choose your improvement projects. Generally, potential homebuyers don’t want to spend $250,000 on a home in a neighborhood where the average cost is $150,000. It’s important to make improvements that match the neighborhood. If not, you may have to lower your market price and take a loss on the value of your home.

If you’re thinking of selling your home in the near future or just want to improve your property for your own benefit, now is a good time to start on those house projects. These options will help increase the value of your home and get a good return on your investment.

PHOTO: COSKUN.TV/ADOBE STOCK

Projects

A SAFER, DRIER HOME

FROM THE GROUND UP COMPLETE BASEMENT REPAIRS AND WATERPROOFING WITH MINIMAL DISRUPTIONS COURTESY OF TC HAFFORD BASEMENT SYSTEMS

HAVE YOU EVER thought about what would happen if your foundation walls caved in? If your foundation is cracked or bowing, you might be closer to total wall failure than you think. Foundation problems are very common, so don’t panic if you find anything wrong in your basement. You just need to know the right action to take to fix the problem, and fix it permanently.

Outside pressure from soil and water pushes on your foundation walls to cause these problems, which is also why you could be getting water in your basement.

Traditionally, the process to fix failing rock, brick or block walls involves lifting a house, removing the failing wall, and pouring a replacement concrete wall. It’s

often invasive and expensive which causes most people to wait for a total foundation failure before addressing the issue.

We have developed our own unique solution that allows us to save foundation walls from failing. StableLock Wall is a system that can replace your cracking, crumbling wall with a brand new, smooth concrete wall. And the best part is… it can be done right inside your basement, so the process won’t disturb lawns, porches, neighbors or your daily routine. This also means we can install StableLock Wall even during harsh New England winters.

The other common fix we provide is a foundation wall repair system called PowerBrace. This is a system of steel

I-beams designed to permanently correct buckling, bowing, and tilting walls.

The existing wall becomes stabilized in its current position and is prevented from moving any further. Over time, the PowerBrace system can be tightened to make bowing or tilting walls straighter.

There is minimal disruption of your basement space and no outside excavation is required.

Your home’s foundation is too important to ignore. Whether you plan on staying for years or if you’re selling your home, these fixes will have to be done eventually. Why not do it now so you can enjoy it! Just think of how nice it would be to have a clean, dry, safe basement.

bangordailynews.com • 25

HOME

Office

YOU NEED A “REAL”

HOME OFFICE

BY COREY ZIMMERMAN

MANY COMPANIES

have implemented work-from-home policies with indefinite end dates leaving a lot of us with an unusual challenge: working from home for the first time.

While working from home offers many advantages, including saving time and money by eliminating your daily commute, the structure of in-office life is still required. That means dedicating a functional space to work and remain focused, productive, and ergonomic.

For some, choosing a space for their home office is easy.

An empty room, spare bedroom, or basement with a door is ideal for separating work from home life. An enclosed porch, large laundry room, or even a garden shed could also serve as a dedicated workspace.

But not everyone has space for a dedicated home office, and finding an area that is out of the rest of the household’s way requires creativity. Instead of using your kitchen table as your office space and packing up your office before every meal, here are some ideas for working from home when space is limited.

FINDING A SPACE The easiest way to steal space for an office is to take over a spare closet. Move your desk in or mount a slab-style shelf to function as a desktop. You can wall-mount shelves for supplies and even remove the doors for easy access. Or use the door(s) to keep your workspace hidden. Bonus: use the door as another surface for hanging folders.

No spare closet? Many of us Mainers have a window seat area, bump-out, or nook. Put a little desk or a table right there, and use this space to work.

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PHOTOS: ©ALBERTO GROSESCU; ©UNITEDPHOTOSTUDIO; ©MONKEY BUSINESS/ADOBE STOCK

KITCHEN TABLE NOT CUTTING IT ANYMORE? CHECK OUT THESE IDEAS TO FIND SPACE FOR A DEDICATED HOME OFFICE.

Open staircase? Tuck a small office area underneath.

If you only have an empty corner, a small L-shaped or triangular desk won’t take up much more room than a floor plant.

Prefer to be cozy while you work?

Create a comfy home office by turning your sofa into an office zone with a lift-top coffee table, so when you’re sitting on your couch and typing on your laptop, it’s almost like you’re at a desk.

If you genuinely have no space, consider a wall-mounted desk. Hidden drop-down styles look like cabinets when tucked away, and can be surprisingly functional.

No one can work effectively in a sea of noise and interruptions. For those set up in an open space, a privacy divider is a potential solution. You can select a traditional divider that sits on the floor or a ceiling-mounted curtain that you can draw to “close the door” on your workspace.

White noise, such as a fan, can be helpful to muffle noise and allow you to concentrate.

Keeping a small area tidy can be a challenge, so don’t forget to use vertical space such as a tall hutch, bookcase, or floating shelves that will provide you with more storage without taking up floor space. bangordailynews.com • 27

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AN EYE ON ERGONOMICS When working from home, your health and safety are as important as in a traditional workspace, so when setting up your home office, focus on the equipment you use daily. Here is a list of the five essential home office items you need to stay productive and prevent injury while working from home: A work surface at the correct height, so when you sit up straight, your forearms should be parallel to the ground, and your wrist is not bent when you type or mouse.

Consider footrests, a mouse that fits your hand, and rests for your wrists.

2

An ergonomic chair adjusted for correct support. Although it may be tempting to use a dining chair for your home office, sitting for long periods without proper support can cause posture problems, back, and neck pain.

3

A computer monitor adjusted to slightly below eye level and about 20 inches from your eyes: this keeps your spine in a neutral position by ensuring you don’t hunch your back and allows your eyelids to close a bit, which helps reduce eye strain. If necessary, use a riser, or even a book or two, to get your monitor at the right height. Angle your monitor slightly back, so you don’t tilt your head back when focusing.

4

Use a desk lamp to provide indirect light and, if you can, place your workspace near a window to make it easier for your eyes.

Although overhead lighting is convenient, it can create a glare on your computer screen, causing eye strain and headaches.

5

Headphones keep you from holding your phone between your ear and shoulder and prevent ambient noise on conference calls. Earbuds are fine for intermittent use but can irritate after a while, so an over-the-ear headset is best if you are in meetings for hours a day.

Like so many others, if you have found yourself suddenly working from home, you may be having a tough time transitioning.

Creating an area where you work, whether in a cozy corner or spread out across the basement, is only limited by your space and imagination. Take some time to set up an area that will inspire your best work, and your productivity will justify the effort.

28 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2020

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IS FOR VEGETABLES HAVE A PARTICULARLY VICTORIOUS QUARANTINE GARDEN? CHECK OUT THESE TASTY RECIPES last spring with summer activities being cancelled left and right, the seeds of a Quarantine Victory Garden were planted. The Victory Gardens of the 1940s helped supply food while times were tight during World War II. This summer’s Quarantine Victory Gardens supplied the perfect at-home hobby —

with the bonus of fresh fruits and veggies. And if your garden has been particularly triumphant, you might be finding yourself with an abundance of produce right now. While your neighbors certainly won’t mind taking some extra tomatoes and zucchinis off your hands, here are a few other ideas to make use of your victorious garden.

ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLE PASTA WITH TOMATOES

MAPLE ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE AND APRICOTS

AUTHOR: SARAH WALKER CARON • SERVES: 4

AUTHOR: SARAH WALKER CARON • SERVES: 4

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

2 carrots, peeled and small diced 2 parsnips, peeled and small diced 5-6 small shallots, peeled and quartered 1 quart grape tomatoes 2 Tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper 1 15.5-oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed ½ pound gemelli pasta

4 cups halved Brussels sprouts 2 Tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup finely diced andouille sausage ½ cup finely diced dried apricots 2 Tbsp maple syrup 1 tsp Dijon mustard

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

2. Spread the Brussels sprouts on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, until browned and slightly tender.

3. Add the andouille sausage and apricots to the pan and stir to mix. Whisk together the maple syrup and mustard. Drizzle over the Brussels sprouts mixture and toss to combine. Roast for an additional 8-10 minutes, until the sausage is lightly browned on one side.

4. Serve hot.

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Arrange the carrots, parsnips, shallots and grape tomatoes on a nonstick baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the cannellini beans and stir. Spread into an even layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the vegetables are tender.

3. Cook gemelli pasta according to package directions, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.

4. In a serving bowl, toss together the pasta and roasted vegetable mixture. Add the reserved water, a little at a time, to desired moistness.

5. Taste and season, as needed, with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

30 • BDN WELCOME HOME • 2020

INSTRUCTIONS

RECIPE PHOTOS: SARAH WALKER CARON

STUCK AT HOME

HOW TO PREPARE

YOUR GARDEN FOR WINTER PHOTO: ©HQUALITY/ADOBE STOCK

COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE

ZUCCHINI MUFFINS AUTHOR: SARAH WALKER CARON • YIELDS: 12 MUFFINS INGREDIENTS 1 large egg 1 cup milk ½ cup olive oil 2 cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup light brown sugar

1 Tbsp baking powder 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ cup shredded zucchini (about 1 small zucchini) Coarse sugar (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a 12-slot muffin tin with muffin liners. If using paper liners, spray each one lightly with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, milk and oil. Add the flour, sugar, baking powder and cinnamon. Stir until smooth, about 1 minute, and then let sit for 10 minutes. Stir in the shredded zucchini.

3. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin liners. If desired, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar.

4. Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 1820 minutes until golden. A toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins should come out cleanly.

5. Remove from the oven. These can be enjoyed immediately, or stored in an airtight container for up to five days.

A gardener’s work is never truly done. Preparing gardens for winter is an important step that can help homeowners ensure their gardens return to full strength in the spring. The tasks necessary to prepare gardens for winter may depend on what homeowners are planting, but the following are some general maintenance suggestions that can keep gardens safe this winter.

REMOVE WEEDS AND DEBRIS. Weeds and debris are unsightly and detrimental to plant life in spring, but they also can be harmful in the winter. Weeds and debris left to linger in gardens through the winter provide overwintering spots for insects and can contribute to disease. Don’t wait until the ground hardens, as that can make it hard to remove the roots of weeds, adversely affecting the garden as a result.

PREPARE THE SOIL. The Farmer’s Almanac advises homeowners to gently till the soil in their gardens so they can expose any insects before they settle in for the winter. Once garden soil is exposed, add a layer of compost, leaves, aged manure, and, if necessary, lime, gently tilling it into the soil. According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, the only accurate way to determine if lawn or garden soil needs lime is to test it.

Lime makes soil less acidic and reduces soil pH. Low soil pH makes it hard for certain plants to grow, but acidic soil is ideal when growing blueberries. Test the soil for lime and amend it depending on what you hope to grow in the spring so it’s ready to thrive when winter ends.

REMOVE DEAD OR DISEASED PLANTS. Dead or diseased plants should not be left in the garden through the winter.

These plants can attract insects and are vulnerable to disease, which can make it hard for the garden to thrive in the spring.

PROTECT FRUIT TREES. If you have fruit trees, install mouse guards around the base to prevent mice and voles from killing the trees over the winter. If left to their own devices over the winter, mice and voles may eat the bark of fruit trees, killing the trees as a result. The Farmer’s Almanac notes that mouse guards made of fine mesh hardware cloth can effectively protect fruit trees from hungry mice and voles over the winter.

bangordailynews.com • 31

DESIGN

Inspiration

AL FRESCO

at home

ADDING AMBIANCE TO YOUR OUTDOOR DINING SPACE COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE

WHILE WE’RE STICKING closer to home, that doesn’t mean being stuck indoors. A beautiful summer and pleasant temperatures make all of us want to spend as much time outside as possible, including mealtime.

Even though outdoor dining can be quite enjoyable, certain factors need to be considered to ensure that each experience is as pleasurable as possible.

ADDRESS INSECTS Insects are equal opportunity invaders. Once they smell sweet or savory food items, they quickly descend for an easy bite. This means extra steps are necessary to dissuade insects from coming by. Invest in citronella candles, which can be placed around the patio to repel flying bugs. Clean up crumbs and spills promptly. Bees and wasps can be lured away with sweet traps placed around the perimeter of the property.

DRESS UP SEATING Just because furniture is made for outside doesn’t mean it has to be uncomfortable. Many companies now produce very durable and attractive outdoor furniture. Weather-resistant fabrics mean rain or sunlight will not age items too quickly.

REUSABLE PLACE SETTINGS If you frequently dine outdoors, you may want to dine in style. Instead of disposable paper or plastic place settings, invest in colorful, durable, reusable plastic dishes, glasses and flatware, which will not break if dropped and can hold up to a dishwasher when it is time to clean up.

CREATE THE RIGHT AMBIANCE Invest in outdoor lighting, candles and hidden speakers to pipe in music and create ambiance. Install privacy screens and foliage to establish a nice nook for outdoor dining.

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OFFER SHADE Too much sun can make outdoor meals less enjoyable. A patio umbrella, pergola or canopy can cut down on glare and make the dining area more comfortable.

Check to see that the shade source can be adjusted to guard against the sun as it moves across the sky.

bangordailynews.com • 3