Spring Home & Garden 2016

2016 Spring

&

home garden Guide

A Special Supplement to the Black Hills Pioneer

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Spring Home & Garden Guide | May 2016

Organize Your Garage

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he garage: the catchall section of our homes that never seems to get as much TLC as it deserves. It’s where the overflow of holiday decorations, outgrown clothes and sports equipment converge, often in disarray.

poles, soccer balls and kids’ bikes may as well call the garage their own. Without ample space for these materials, the garage’s walls may feel like they are caving in on you.

The solution: Give things away. Plenty of organizations offer some sort of item drop-off. Start a donate pile outside of your garage to collect all the extra items for which you have no use. Take your extra toys and baseball gloves to a deserving charity, but only if you’re sure you won’t need them again down the road.

3. Never Organize Alone

One of the best tips for organizing your garage is to invite friends and family members over to help. A major garage overhaul can be time consuming, requiring numerous hands on deck if you’re hoping to finish anytime soon.

Call over some friends and family members. Have a list of specific responsibilities for volunteers to maximize their time when they are helping you. And remember to always treat your helpers to hot coffee or lunch, a gesture that will let them know they are appreciated.

It’s time to take back control of this versatile space in your home. The garage has so much to offer if you’re willing to regularly maintain it. This may mean hanging new shelving for extra storage space or repainting the floor for a protective, great-looking shine.

Here are three steps you can take this weekend to achieve a more organized garage:

1. Give Yourself Enough Time

Many homeowners think they can power through a garage reorganization in a matter of a couple of hours. Sure, if your garage is already in relatively good shape, that may be possible. But for people looking to complete an organizational overhaul, it is best to devote the bulk of a weekend to the chore.

Not doing so can leave you feeling frustrated by a job half done. Give yourself enough time to not only assess your current garage storage situation, but then also to put together a plan that highlights what goes where and how much you’re willing to spend on new storage materials.

2. Be Ready to Donate

Overflow can be a real problem in the garage. Fishing © Fotolia

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Make the Most of Mulching

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awns and gardens can often benefit from the laying of mulch.

Mulch serves various purposes in lawns and gardens, and many experienced lawn and garden enthusiasts lay mulch to ensure their properties make it through spring, summer and fall unscathed.

First-time homeowners with little or no landscaping experience may not understand the benefits of mulch, which can be used to strengthen soil and protect properties from the elements.

What is mulch?

Mulch refers to a material spread around or over a plant to enrich and/or insulate its soil. Many homeowners prefer mulch made of wood chips, which is both effective and readily available. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that organic mulches, which include leaves, wood chips, compost or grass clippings, can be used by homeowners who want to develop eco-friendly landscapes.

Why mulch?

Mulching can benefit plants around a property in various ways. Many people lay mulch because the mulch helps soil retain moisture in the summer, when temperatures tend to be at their hottest. This can help plants survive summer heat waves.

Mulch also can be used to suppress weeds. Weeds, which steal moisture plants need to build strong roots and survive summer, need light to grow. When laid correctly, mulch deprives weeds of the light they need to grow.

Organic mulches can even provide homes for crickets and a type of beetle that feed on weed seeds.

Mulch also can deter harmful pests depending on the type of mulch homeowners choose. When purchasing mulch, homeowners will have to choose between the aforementioned organic mulch or man-made mulches, which may be made of plastic or rubber. While man-made

mulches may repel pests, they also can have adverse effects. Plastic, for example, can heat up in the summer and cause plants to burn. Certain organic mulches can repel insects that can threaten plants. That’s because the majority of organic mulches increase the amount of beneficial bacteria in the soil, and they also increase the presence of helpful insects that do not pose a threat to plant life. Those helpful insects help keep harmful insects at bay. Compost

How to Repot a Plant

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ardening time is here, with people enjoying plants both inside and outside of their homes. Container gardening, which is a planting method in which flowers and other plants are grown in pots and other containers, is quite popular because of design versatility. Containers can be moved from location to location if plants are not thriving in a particular spot. They also make gardening possible when there isn’t any available land space, which might be the case for apartment-dwellers.

Flower pots enable plant enthusiasts to enjoy foliage inside of the home as well. Houseplants can add beauty to interior spaces and help filter indoor air. In the late 1980s, NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America actually studied houseplants as a way to purify the air in space facilities. They found several plants are particularly good at filtering out common volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Having plants around can create inviting spaces and improve healthy conditions inside and out.

Part of caring for plants in containers involves knowing when a potted plant might need a little tender loving care.

As plants grow larger, they may outgrow their containers and require more roomy quarters. Without ample space,

plants may not be able to adequately draw up water and nutrients to support top growth. Repotting may seem like it is easy, but it actually takes a little finesse so not to damage the plants.

Gardening experts like those from Fine Gardening, HGTV and Today’s Homeowner suggest these repotting tips.

• Be sure the plant is well watered for a few days prior to the repotting process. Watering also will help loosen the root ball from inside of the smaller pot.

• A plant ready for repotting should slide out with most of the soil in one piece. If the soil is free-falling, it may not need to be repotted at this point because there’s still room for the roots to expand. Other signs that plants

is a type of organic mulch that may attract harmful insects.

While that does not mean homeowners should shy away from using compost as mulch, they should know that they may need to employ organic insecticides to combat their unwanted guests.

Mulch is a potentially valuable tool homeowners can use to improve the look and health of their properties.

may need repotting include roots poking out of the soil or plants that are straggly and pale.

• Consider repotting outside because the process can be messy. Have all of your materials, which include a trowel, gloves, scissors, and potting soil, handy so that you can tackle the process smoothly.

• Remove your plant from the pot carefully. Place the plant on its side, then support the main stem in one hand and use the other hand to gently pull the pot away.

Be careful not to pull on the main stem or break the stem.

Tread gently.

• Cut away any rotten or dead roots, and trim really long ends. Make three or four vertical cuts about a third of the way up the remaining root ball. This also will help with water and nutrient absorption once the plant is in its new pot.

• Gently untangle any remaining roots and prepare to place the plant in a new pot.

• Choose a new pot that is slightly larger than the root ball. Fill the pot with soil so that the root ball sits about an inch below the rim of the pot. Add more soil around the roots to fill the pot. Be sure to leave enough room so that with each watering the pot can hold water.

• Thoroughly water the plant after repotting to moisten the soil.

Watch your plant afterwards to be sure that it’s taking to its new potted home. It can take around three to four weeks for the plant to recover from repotting. Water regularly, avoid fertilizing and keep the plant out of direct sunlight.

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Spring Home & Garden Guide | May 2016

Fix Driveway Cracks

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f we know one thing about concrete and asphalt, it’s that they easily crack. Despite this fact, they still make for the most durable and popular material choices for driveways.

Weather conditions and overall wear make cracks inevitable. Water can seep into or below the surface, expand and eventually damage the material. This is the most common cause of driveway cracks.

Fortunately, there are plenty of products on the market that enable homeowners to fix these types of cracks themselves, without having to go through the trouble of replacing entire sections of driveway.

Every spring, you should take a look around your driveway for signs of winter damage. This is the perfect time of year to find new cracks, and then take the appropriate action to fix them.

Here are three steps to repairing a driveway crack:

1. Choose Your Material

For driveway repairs, the most effective solution is a patch product that comes in both pourable and tubed forms. The pourable option is easier to use only because the tubed form requires a caulk gun for application.

Choosing between the two is really a matter of preference, as both have been proven effective in repairing driveway cracks.

2. Follow the Application Directions

The first step to a correct application usually involves clearing the area of dirt, debris and other foreign objects that would compromise the strength of the material. You could even spray out the crack with a garden hose, letting it fully dry before application. It’s recommended that you shake the product vigorously prior to applying.

Be sure to use protective eyewear and gloves when handling the products.

3. Smooth the Crack

© Fotolia

After applying filler to the height of the surrounding pavement, use a putty knife to level out the surface.

Sometimes one application isn’t enough. Generally, you’ll want to wait 24 hours before applying a second coat.

Other instructions can include avoiding walking or driving on the surface for up to two days.

Once you have followed the product instructions and waited the recommended amount of time, you should be able to use your driveway as normal for years to come.

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Spruce Up Your Windows

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flower bed goes a long way toward sprucing up the curb appeal, but you can take things a step further by adding window boxes with flowers.

It’s a great way to give a new dimension to your landscaping, flower window boxes are relatively cheap and easy.

What is a window box planter?

A window box planter is essentially a mountable box that houses soil and flowers, allowing you to showcase some bright color right outside your window. You can find window boxes at just about any garden or home improvement store, and prices range from as low as $30 to more than $100, depending on the look and material.

What to plant

SF Gate notes variety can be key when dealing with a window box, and you might want to consider mixing things up. Here’s an excerpt from their recommendations: “An interesting window box includes a variety of colors, sizes and textures. Consider the foliage to ensure a window box doesn’t include leaves of all one size. Mix tall plants with medium and shorter plants, and upright plants with bushy plants. Trailing plants add variety, grace, depth and extra color. Consider the color of your house when selecting annuals. For example, red flowers in front of a red house tend to get lost. Annuals with

© Fotolia

blue or purple flowers work well for a window box observed up close, while splashy pinks and yellows are visible from a distance. White is an effective color, especially for highlighting shady window boxes.”

Build your own

If you’re feeling a bit more hands on, you can build your own window box planters. According to DIY

Network, the width of the window determines the final length of the planter. The depth and height should be large enough to hold pots or an amount of dirt that will retain moisture for a few days. For example, a box that is 7 inches deep and 7 inches high will accommodate 6-inch flower pots. When designing your boxes, be sure to go with a style and paint color that complements your home.

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Choosing Patio Furniture

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uilding a nice patio is one thing, but it won’t do you much good without furniture for relaxing (or partying).

While you’re shopping for the perfect patio furniture, Better Homes and Gardens has a few tips to make the right choice for your space.

Figure out what you want

It seems obvious, but the first step is to gauge your available space and visualize how you want to lay it out.

Check out Pinterest or design magazines for ideas on the different types of furniture, then make a list of the different pieces you’d like to have, with the choices driven by what will fit on your patio. A longer, couch-style piece and two chairs? Or a table for eating outdoors? The options are limitless, so think long and hard about how you’ll actually use the space. You might like the look of a certain chair, but if you plan on eating breakfast on the patio four days a week, you might want to go with the table and chairs set.

Try before you buy

Here’s the fun part: Go shopping! Once you figure out what you’re looking for, take your time and try out some different sets and pieces that fit what you want. Think long and hard about the materials, too. Is you patio covered, or open air? The materials (seat cushions, etc.) make

a big difference. Aim for something as low-maintenance as possible. Better Homes and Gardens notes most metal, teak, cedar and all-weather wicker pieces are unfazed by whatever nature throws their way. Going with one of these materials should keep your patio looking fresh for years to come.

Don’t forget about storage

With some savvy design, your patio can double as storage for all those grilling tools and other outdoor items you

© Fotolia

use in the warmer months. It can help keep those items handy, and safe from the elements.

Thinking beyond storage, you might want to also consider creating a space to store your patio furniture when it is out of season. That furniture won’t get much use in the winter anyway, and that’s also when some of the most damaging elements come into play. If you have a basement or shed accessible, it could be worth it to set aside some space to keep your patio furniture safe and dry.

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Seasonal Spruce Up

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ow is a good time to tackle maintenance projects around the house.

Tackle minor touch-ups as well as preemptive moves, that could save money in the long run.

Allstate recommends taking care of everything from gutter cleaning to paint repairs.

Clean out the gutters

They’re probably one of the last things you think about when it comes to home maintenance, but gutters play a critical role in your home exterior and landscape. Gutters divert thousands of gallons of water off your roof and away from your home.

If they’re not clear, all that water ends up near your foundation and can cause leaks or roof damage.

Use a ladder tall enough to reach your gutters safely, and make sure the ladder is secure before climbing up.

Scoop out any wet leaves and debris, and wet caked-on dirt so you can scoop out the mud with a trowel. A water hose also can be used to gently flush out any small debris, after larger items have been removed.

To prevent debris from piling up in your gutters, mesh covers can be installed. Even if you use these

“guards,” however, you still should check the gutters at least once per year to ensure they’re flowing smoothly.

Make sure your deck is healthy

Keeping tabs on your deck can save a lot of time and maintenance, so Allstate recommends taking a close look to visually inspect the boards for curling, cracked or rotting wood. If you see a damaged board, remove it and replace it with a board cut to fit the same space.

Take the time to inspect underneath your deck to ensure the support system is in good shape. The boards may look good on top, but a problem underneath could still cause a major collapse. Have a pest control service check underneath, to ensure you don’t have animals digging up and nesting under your deck or porch.

If your deck is finished, some experts also recommend retreating the deck every few years with new waterproofer and sealant. This can give an old deck a new look, while providing much-needed protection.

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Avoid Grilling Mistakes

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he smell of the barbecue grill is one of the hallmarks of the springtime. The sizzle of the hot grate and the crackling of the charcoal let you know the winter season has officially ended.

for an equipment overhaul. Choose spatulas, tongs and grill cleaning tools that are made of durable materials, such as stainless steel.

Choose durable, heavy-duty tools with long handles for maximum safety when you’re reaching across the coals. Find tools that are dishwasher-safe to make cleaning up a breeze.

As you being inviting friends over for a spring and summer filled with great food and better company, now is a good time to refresh your common grilling practices.

By now you probably have a grilling routine that you follow with every cooking session. True grilling experts are meticulous about the cleanliness of their grills, as well as the quality of their tools.

But there are several common grilling mistakes that even the most grizzled grilling professionals commit from time to time. Check out our list below to see if you’ve ever been guilty.

When was the last time you cranked your burners to high after a cook to burn off some of the grill residue? This is good practice to maintain your grill and enhance the taste of your food. Make sure you clean your grill before and after each cook.

Scrape out any excess ash or grease under the grate. This will keep your flames flowing strongly instead of being snuffed out by blockages. Consider deep-cleaning your grill a couple of times per year. This entails scrubbing the stainless steel and scraping all food scraps off the sides and bottom of the grill.

Forgetting to Preheat

A common grilling mistake is not being patient enough before adding food to the grill. Just like an oven, you must give your grill about 15 minutes to warm up. Use the temperature gauge to decide when to put on the meat. Experts recommend most foods be cooked in the 300to 400-degree range.

Depending on what you’re cooking, it’s generally a good idea to immediately turn your burners down to low after you add the meat. This low-and-slow approach will result in juicier meats.

Low-Quality Tools

You can’t grill effectively without the right tools — plain and simple. Are your spatulas rusty and warped? Is your grill brush caked in residue? If so, it’s time

Dirty Grill

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Garden Party Appetizers

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he spring season means inviting your friends and family members over for great food and drinks. If you plan to host a garden party, it also can be the perfect time to give away some of your early produce.

The spring season means inviting your friends and family members over for great food and drinks. If you plan to host a garden party, it also can be the perfect time to give away some of your early produce.

Part of growing a garden is sharing your spoils and inspiring others to take on a garden project of their own. The ample amount of fresh vegetables and fruit that one garden can produce is enough reason to stay motivated through all the weeding, watering and tending.

Feeding the guests at your garden party has never been easier, especially if you’re planning to stick to an appetizer menu. Follow our tips below to make the perfect dips, wraps and savory treats your guests will come to love.

Go Guacamole Onions, avocado, chopped tomato and garlic.

Add a splash of lime juice after letting the dip chill in the refrigerator for an hour, and presto!

Yummy guacamole that is sure to leave your guests happy.

Choose a unique brand of sea salt chips or vegetable sticks to serve as the perfect dipping items for your guacamole. Add cayenne pepper to the concoction or pick up a bag of spicy chips if you prefer a little heat with your Mexican-inspired appetizer.

Roll It Up

Some of the easiest — and tastiest — appetizer treats take just a few minutes to prepare. Roll-ups fall into this category and can pack quite a punch in a small wrapped or rolled package. Follow these directions to make the perfect roll-up: • Lay your deli meat of choice on a serving plate; • Spread a softened layer of cream cheese on the meat; • Place a small pickle spear or slice of jalapeno pepper at one end of the meat; • Roll the materials into cylinders around the pickle or pepper; and • Secure with toothpicks and allow roll-ups to refrigerate for an hour ahead of serving.

Use Your Garden

Depending on how far you are into the growing season, you may have plants popping up in your garden. Vegetables such as radishes and zucchini are known for their rapid growing rates, giving you some quality ingredients to incorporate into your dip or stir-fry. © Fotolia

Water Conservation Tips

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ummer is the season when you’ll likely be watering everything from flowers to the lawn to the vegetable garden, but that doesn’t mean you can’t save the environment (and some money) along the way.

Have the right equipment

That regular old garden hose you probably have hooked up outside? It’s one of the least effective ways to water your plants. Much of the water is lost as evaporation, mist or general runoff from the flow. Use a soaker hose or sprinkler wand.

Don’t over water

Popular Mechanics notes the average lawn needs one 1 inch of water per week, while perennial plants and shrubs need 1-2 inches per week. Of course, the watering rule of thumb changes per plant, and the small spear-shaped plastic tag that comes with most plants when purchased can provide some guides.

But a good rule to follow is to keep the plant’s soil lightly moist, and if conditions are especially hot and windy, keep an eye out for wilting. Add more water if that happens, but be sure not to over-water, which can be just as bad as under-watering a plant. Over-watering leads to root rot and soil compaction that robs the roots of air.

Focus on the front of the yard

Which part of your yard plays the biggest role in curb appeal?

Probably the front. So, if you’re trying to conserve water, use the majority of your allotment on the area that will be seen the most.

Make sure the water is cool

Plants need cold water, so make sure they get what they need. Don’t use a hose that’s been coiled up and filled with water, especially if its been sitting in the sun all day. Popular Mechanics notes that a coiled hose acts like a water heater, and hot water stresses the growth of sensitive plants, which could lead to them needing more water. Store your hose in the shade or run off the heated water for another purpose before giving your plants a cold drink.

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Spring Home & Garden Guide | May 2016

Plants for Window Boxes

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indow boxes make for the perfect design elements to the exterior of your home. With the right flowers, they can serve as a downright stunning focal point of your backyard.

Whether you choose a collection of colorful annuals spilling over your box or a row of cute miniature flowers, window boxes are sure to catch some attention this spring.

Before filling your boxes, it is important to know the growing habits and requirements of the plants you plan to use. Factors such as sunlight, shade, watering and bloom time all must be taken into consideration.

They key to any awe-inspiring window box is to have fun. Don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine as you build your collection of flowers.

Sunlight

If your window box is exposed to full sunlight, you have a bevy of flower options at your disposal. From vinca to marigolds, you can find flowers with gorgeous combinations of green foliage and colorful petals.

Geraniums are low-maintenance bloomers that can generally reach about 12 inches tall — the perfect option if you’re looking

to add a little height to your flower box.

A slightly shorter option that is just as colorful is the petunia. These beauties grow to a height of 4 to 12 inches, and like the geranium, come in a trailing variety that can help you put together a flower box overflowing with vibrant colors.

Shade

If your window box will be located in partial or full shade, be sure to choose shade-loving plants such as impatiens, begonias or caladium for maximum impact.

All of these varieties are available in a full range of colors and tones, making your job of matching the flowers to the hue of your home an easy one.

Find flowers that give off pops of bright pinks and purples if you’re looking to make a dramatic statement near your home’s entry or any other prominent spot. Be sure to maintain your flowers throughout the year to keep your widow boxes in striking form.

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Freshen Up Your Home for the Spring Season

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fter a few months of chilly temperatures, come spring, many homeowners are eager to throw open their windows and doors and breathe new life into their homes. Simple changes made now — even before the weather begins to warm up — can improve interior spaces and brighten the atmosphere of a home.

• Go plant shopping. Research from NASA suggests adding at least one plant in your home per 100 square feet is efficient enough to clean air. Fresh foliage also makes a home feel warm and inviting.

Watering and misting plants introduces moisture into indoor air, which can make rooms overcome with dry air from heating systems feel comfortable. Just be sure to avoid overwatering plants, which can lead to mold growth.

• Swap out throw pillows. Accent pillows on beds and sofas are quick and inexpensive ways to add new bursts of color to rooms. You may be able to make over a room’s entire color scheme with new pillows.

Invest in pillows that you can switch with each season so your decor will never look tired or dull.

• Clean existing light fixtures. Another way to brighten the mood in a home is to periodically clean light fixtures to make sure they are working effectively. Spend time dusting them and cleaning off any accumulated debris. If need be, switch out old lamp shades for newer ones that let more light shine through. If inadequate lighting is a problem no matter how many lamps you have, consult with an electrician about installing more overhead and accent lighting.

• Give rugs and floors a deep cleaning.

Recirculated air may be full of dust and other micro-

scopic particles that end up blowing throughout your home. Also, it’s easy to track in dirt and other materials on your shoes that become imbedded in carpeting.

At least once a year, rent or enlist the surfaces of carpet and upholstery cleaners to give floors a thorough cleaning. You may be surprised at how clean and fresh a home looks and smells once rugs and carpets are deep-cleaned. You also can make a dry carpet cleaner using baking soda, corn starch and desired fresh herbs for fragrance. Sprinkle and then vacuum up after a few hours.

• Color-coordinate bookshelves. Group all books with similarly colored covers together for an instant and eye-appealing look.

• Simmer some homemade home deodorizer. In a large pot, boil water and some scented herbs, such as rosemary, citrus rinds, vanilla, or lavender. The aroma will waft through the home, creating a pleasing scent.

• Invest in new window treatments. Lightweight draperies or new blinds or shades can transform the look of a room. Be sure to keep curtains and blinds open during the day to maximize the hours of sunlight.

Homeowners can make some simple changes while they’re stuck indoors and reap the benefits when the weather warms up again.

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Why Hiring a Landscaper May be For You

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he majority of homeowners want their properties to appear as appealing as possible. While many homeowners want to be proud of their properties and come home to a welcoming home each night, the benefits to maintaining landscaping go beyond the notion that well-cared for lawns make for more comforting retreats.

Because numerous variables, including landscaping, influence property values, it’s difficult to assess just how much the property values of homes with impressive landscapes are influenced by those very landscapes. Indeed, studies have produced varying results regarding the effect of well-landscaped homes on property values. But what many studies have shown and what many realtors indicate is that impressive landscaping adds a significant amount to property values, with estimates suggesting landscaping increases home values by anywhere from 5 to 20 percent.

Such estimates are good news for homeowners, and they also highlight the stakes involved when making landscaping decisions. Homeowners with green thumbs may embrace the challenge of revitalizing their lawns and gardens, but many, especially those pressed for time, can benefit greatly from working with professional landscapers.

Why hire a professional landscaper?

Maintaining a property requires more than just mowing the lawn every couple of weeks. Even homeowners committed to making their properties as pristine as possible can run into problems when adverse weather conditions pose a threat to lawns and gardens. The following are just a handful of reasons why homeowners may find working with landscaping professionals is the best thing for their properties and their bank accounts.

• Professionals understand the local climate. Experienced

professional landscapers will understand the local climate and the challenges it presents to your lawn. Experience can prove invaluable as lawns battle adverse conditions that threaten its survival. While homeowners going it alone may struggle through a trial and error period as they try to address problems threatening their lawns, experienced professionals are more likely to identify the problem immediately, providing a ready solution that can prevent potentially costly repairs down the road.

• Professionals can provide inspiration. In addition to maintaining properties, many landscaping professionals have vast experience improving properties through landscape design.

Professional landscapers may have a host of ideas for your property that you would never think of. Homeowners with little to no lawn and garden experience may not realize all the things they can do with their properties, and those who go it alone may end up with unappealing landscapes that do not attract buyers’ attention when the home hits the market.

Professionals typically have a wealth of ideas and, perhaps more importantly, they understand which ideas will and won’t work on a given property.

• Professionals can remove some of the stress of managing landscaping projects. Homeowners know that home improvement projects, whether they are addressing home interiors or exteriors, can be stressful. Professional landscapers typically have a network of professionals, including contractors, who they have worked with in the past. Such connections can en-

sure more complex projects that require both landscapers and construction contractors go as smoothly as possible. In addition, homeowners who receive contractor recommendations from their experienced landscapers tend to rest easier knowing the people working on their properties have already developed a rapport and established a successful track record working together.

Professional landscapers can be just what homeowners need to turn their properties into appealing oases no buyer can resist.

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5 Things to Consider Before Expanding Your Home

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omeowners who feel their homes are a little confined may be interested in expanding their homes to make them more comfortable and serviceable.

Several questions may come to mind when homeowners are considering adding on to an existing home.

Expanding a home requires careful consideration. While the end results can be spectacular, expansion is typically a long and costly process that will impede on the lifestyles of a home’s inhabitants during the renovation process.

Expect loud noises, work crews and sawdust throughout the project. Depending on which areas are being renovated, residents may feel their lives are in upheaval until the expansion project has been completed.

Familiarizing yourself with the expansion process and recognizing potential snags along the way can make planning and coping that much easier.

1. Many homeowners first consult with a contractor when mulling over expansions. However, you may want to speak with an architect first. He or she may be able to suggest

renovations that fit with your neighborhood and appeal to prospective buyers when you decide to sell your home in the future.

2. Visit your building inspection or municipal office to learn the local regulations. You want to ensure that any renovations you make are done in keeping with safety codes and laws.

3. While you’re thinking of your neighbors, give them the heads up on your potential plans. This way they will not be surprised by the extra noise and activity when the renovation begins.

4. Remodeling can cost anywhere from $200 to $600 per square foot added. You’ll need to figure out a way to

pay for the renovations, and you may consider refinancing your home. Make sure it is a smart time financially to do so based on current real estate market conditions. Also know that additions will likely increase your home insurance coverage needs. Consult with the insurance company about estimated charges and any restrictions they have.

5. Consider a standalone structure when mulling over your options. Sometimes the cost of putting up a free-standing office or another structure on your property may end up being less expansive than expanding on what you already have. Think creatively and research all of your options before committing to a project.

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Home Energy Tips

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he most obvious way to keep things cool in the summer is to crank up the air conditioner, though the U.S. Department of Energy has some tips for how to chill out a bit more efficiently.

Use your windows

If you live in a climate where it cools off at night, turn off your cooling system and open your windows while sleeping.

When you wake in the morning, shut the windows and blinds to capture the cool air. Install window coverings to prevent heat gain through your windows.

Use your thermostat efficiently

When you do have to crank on the air conditioning, do it wisely. Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.

Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lower the thermostat only when you are at home and need cooling. A programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature.

Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.

Use fans and vents

To help move some of that cool air around, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 de-

grees Fahrenheit with no reduction in comfort.

Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect. When you shower or take a bath, use the bathroom fan to remove the heat and humidity from your home. Your laundry room also might benefit from spot ventilation.

Make sure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside (not just to the attic).

Don’t create more heat

On hot days, the DOE recommends you avoid using the oven. Instead cook on the stove, use a microwave oven or grill outside. Install efficient lighting that runs cooler. Only about 10 percent to 15 percent of the electricity that incandescent lights consume results in light; the rest is turned into heat.

Take advantage of daylight instead of artificial lighting, but avoid direct sunlight.

Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Consider air drying both dishes and clothing. Take short showers instead of baths.

Minimize activities that generate a lot of heat, such as running a computer, burning open flames, running a dishwasher and using hot devices such as curling irons or hair dryers. Even stereos and televisions give off some heat.