2014 BMHBA Home Show

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March 14, 15 & 16 Bismarck Civic Center Friday: 3 pm-9 pm Saturday: 10 am-5 pm Sunday: Noon-5 pm

Admission $5/day Adults 18 & under FREE

Plenty of parking in the south and southwest lots.

Enter through the main entrance ticket office at the corner of Bowen Ave. and 5th St.

2.00 Off

$

Admission See coupon on page 2 or online at www.bmhba.com

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Spring is in the air and it is time for the 37th Annual Home Show, sponsored by the Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association. This year’s show, which is at the Bismarck Civic Center, is packed with the newest and best products for you to build your dream home or update your current home. With more than 185 exhibitors, everything on your home wish list may be found at the BMHBA Home Show March 14th, 15th and 16th.

At the show, you will find exhibits ranging from exterior lights to complete home theater systems. Looking to upgrade your kitchen? We have it at the Home Show! Find everything from new countertops to high-tech appliances. What about that bathroom?

We have shower doors and showerheads that even have speakers in them! Everyone wants their yard to be the envy of the block; we have landscapers who can help you turn heads as people drive by your home. Come fulfill your home’s needs at the Home Show.

As you look through this tab, you will find the list of vendors and their booth locations so you can create a path to a new home or your renovated home. There will be home improvement tips and tricks in this publication for upgrading your home. And, don’t forget to cut out your $2 discount coupon for admission to the Home Show or log on to www.bmhba.com to print one out.

I hope you enjoy this year’s Home Show. Our vendors are there to answer any questions you have. We thank you for your past and future support for our exhibitors. I hope to see you at the 37th Annual Home Show March 14th, 15th and 16th.

Greg Zenker 2014 Home Show Chairperson

March 14, 15 & 16 Bismarck Civic Center

2.00 Off

$

Admission

Redeem this coupon at the Bismarck Civic Center Box Office at time of admission for $2 off any single day Adult Admission ticket to the 37th Annual Home Show.

Limit one (1) discount per coupon per person. No cash value. Not good on prior purchase. Not good with any other discount, coupon or voucher. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase.

Expires 3-16-14.

See pages 29-36 for a convenient pull-out section of Home Show maps and a listing of exhibitor booths!

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Conduct an energy audit so you will know which areas of your home can be made more efficient.

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energy makeover

t Clean air filters. Trapped dust and

Renovations that take inventory of energy use and strive toward efficiency have grown increasingly popular over the years. Homeowners fed up with high utility bills want to conserve costs, and there are a number of ways to revamp a home to be more energy efficient.

energy out of your home and money out of your wallet. Once you find any leaks, you can use weather stripping and caulking to seal up breaches and save energy and money.

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The first step in a home energy makeover is to find out where your home is losing money. Certain municipal and environmental agencies offer home assessments, during which they will do a complete walk-through of your home and highlight areas that can be improved. Private companies also perform energy audits on a home. They may be able to point out appliances, windows or landscaping issues that could be compromising the efficiency of a home. These people may have a more intimate knowledge of insulation ratings and window efficiency ratings than the average homeowner.

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debris in a filter makes furnaces and air conditioners work harder. Once filters are free from dust, air can blow more smoothly through the system.

t Plug leaks. Air leaks could be sucking

t Invest in insulation. Install high-

efficiency insulation in attics and between walls to prevent energy loss and keep more warm or cool air in the home. A well-insulated house requires less heating and cooling to keep the temperature indoors stable, and that translates to less money spent on utilities.

t Swap out light bulbs. Switching

bulbs from incandescent to more efficient LED In addition to having an energy audit on your home to save money on util- or CFL bulbs can save money in the long run. ity bills, a professional audit may make you eligible for tax incentives and rebates. That can mean even more savings and may even increase the value By making a few simple changes, homeowners can increase their energy savings around the of your home. house. Investing in an energy audit and makeover can pinpoint key areas Until a thorough energy assessment can be made, there are some easy and that need improvement. relatively inexpensive fixes any homeowner can undertake to help improve Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection energy efficiency.

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to create the bathroom of your dreams While your dream bath may be a sprawling space, the reality is that the typical bathroom is 100 square feet or less. According to recent home builder statistics, the average home size has seen a 6 percent decline in recent years. That doesn’t mean you need to give up on your dream bath. A large bathroom footprint isn’t always the answer to a better bath. Focusing on quality products can create a luxurious look, even in a small space.

Free up floor and counter space You may not be able to create more space but there are many ways to create the illusion of more space. Adding a pedestal sink or a furniture-style vanity with legs gives an increased line of sight, making the space appear larger. Similarly, clutter takes up valuable space. One way to free up extra room on the countertop is with a single-handle or wall-mount faucet. Doors can also make a room feel constrained. Rather than a traditional swing or hinged door, opt for pocket doors; which free up approximately 10 square feet of floor space.

Focus on fabulous fixtures We all need storage in the bath, but don’t limit yourself to the horizontal surfaces. Make the most of your vertical space by adding bath accessories, as well. Adding a hotel shelf, which combines a towel bar with a shelf, offers an excellent storage spot for towels. A wall-mount hair dryer holder, a pivoting wall-mount makeup mirror, a curved shower rod and robe hooks are all excellent hotel-inspired accessory options.

Dominate with dual-function Dual-function products are perfect for smaller baths because they offer added benefits without taking up more space. Update your toilet paper holder, towel bar and in-shower shelves with newer versions that integrate a grab bar.

Swap soaking for a sensational shower Sixty-three percent of Americans shower at least once a day. Since we tend to Continued on next page

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shower more than soak, creating one sensational showering space and possibly eliminating the tub, is a wise use of surface area. For an easy upgrade, swap your showerhead with a new, high-quality model. Or, for a more luxurious remodel, install a vertical spa complete with components like body sprays and a hand shower on a single wall.

And, no matter how large or small your shower, there’s always room to add seating, which increases safety and ease while shaving and washing.

It’s all smoke (and light) and mirrors There are more benefits to mirrors in a bathroom other than a place to check your hair and make-up. They can actually make a room appear twice as large as the actual size. In addition to your vanity mirror, consider hanging a fulllength mirror on a door. Similarly, bringing in more light will open up the space and make your bathroom come to life. A skylight is a unique addition, since it utilizes the often unused ceiling space. Lighting fixtures are also an ideal way to brighten the space, but don’t settle for boring basics. Try more stylish options, like sconces, which can add a more designer, upscale feel.

Remember to shop for quality over quantity when updating your bath and soon you’ll enjoy the serenity of a stylish and organized space.

Courtesy of Brandpoint

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The top home decorating trend:

Nature is bringing a breath of freshness into home decorating ‌

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The latest home decorating trend features natural elements in the textures and finishes of furniture and accessories, giving homeowners an elegant — and often calming — result of blending nature and home living into a beautiful space.

“We really want to see the handprint of nature in our homes now,” says Elaine Griffin, New York interior designer and author of Design Rules. “Organic in the home is huge. It’s one of the biggest trends for the year, and it’s going to stay with us for a while.”

Bring this elegance into your own home with the following decorating suggestions from Griffin: t Bring exotic looks into your kitchen with new cabinets that go beyond the basic oak or cherry woods. Griffin suggests using rosewood or zebra wood - woods formerly reserved for custom furniture. And as both new construction and remodeling projects embrace the open floor plan concept, cabinets are visible from several rooms, which makes it a style upgrade not only for the kitchen, but for adjacent spaces, as well. t The latest furniture design trends also reflect the growing popularity of organic materials and textures, Griffin says, whether it’s a table top left in the natural oak wood finish, or driftwood incorporated into furniture or accessories. The pale gray coloring of driftwood, combined with honey or pale colors used on other furniture or the walls is opening up spaces — moving away from the darker colors. t The era of matching all fabrics, styles and materials in a room has shifted into combining elements of all into a beautiful room setting, Griffin says.

“All great rooms need a mixture of finishes for furniture, with something that’s painted, something that’s wood, something that’s a metallic gold leaf, something that’s ceramic,” she says. “That’s the secret to professionally styled rooms.”

A trend to consider: the Belgium-influenced neo-industrial style, which brings a softer, natural yet industrial touch to rooms. “It’s a soft industrial. It means you’ve combined the wood elements with metal. And that metal could be gold leaf,” Griffin advises.

Creating warm, comfortable surroundings infused with a sense of eco-elegance is why the natural elements trend has been so embraced. About to embark on your own remodel or home refresh? Be sure to explore how bringing natural elements — whether they’re salvaged materials or realistic pretenders — into your decor can enhance the ambiance of the room.

Courtesy of Brandpoint

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Becoming a homeowner is a great feeling for many people, but that feeling of elation often dissipates when the first mortgage payment comes due.

Although most responsible buyers shouldn’t be surprised at the amount of that first mortgage payment, that first bill can still catch someone off guard.

Though the apprehension over mortgage payments may wear off once homeowners get settled, that doesn’t mean homeowners don’t wish they could pay off their homes before those mortgages reach maturity. Though it might seem impossible in those first few months after buying a home, paying a mortgage off early can be accomplished in a variety of ways. t Increase what you pay each month.

Any type of loan, be it a traditional credit card or a mortgage, will disappear faster when borrowers pay more than the bare minimum. By paying just a little more each month, more of your money is going to the principal on the loan, lowering the amount of interest you will pay over the life of the loan at the same time.

One thing borrowers must be certain of is that any extra money they send in each month is applied to the loan’s principal, and not just set aside for the next month’s payment. Talk to your

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lender to verify this, and when doing so, make sure you don’t have to pay any prepayment penalties if you do, in fact, pay the mortgage off before it reaches full maturity. Such penalties can be significant, but they might be worth paying for the peace of mind of knowing you will be paying your mortgage off several years early. t Consider bi-weekly payments.

Bi-weekly payments, in which borrowers make half-payments every two weeks instead of one full payment once per month, are another way to pay your mortgage off early. A typical mortgage agreement has borrowers making payments once per month, meaning they are making 12 annual payments. But a bi-weekly payment system takes advantage of the fact that there are 52 weeks in a year. So by the end of one calender year, you will have made 26 halfpayments, or 13 full payments. Such a payment system enables some borrowers to pay off their 30-year mortgages in as little as 24 years.

When looking into bi-weekly payments, consult your lender to determine if there are any penalties to such a system. Some lending institutions charge customers who change their payment structure. In addition, confirm with your lender

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that each extra payment is going toward the principal and not toward your first payment next year. t Refinance your loan. Refinancing to a shorter-term loan often earns borrowers a smaller interest rate, which can offset the higher monthly payments that accompany shorter-term loans. A shorter-term loan means you won’t have mortgage payments hanging over your head for as long as you would on a 30-year mortgage, and it also means you won’t pay nearly as much in interest over the life of the loan. Many homeowners find a 15-year mortgage forces them to be more disciplined.

Homeowners who find their 30-year monthly mortgage payment is well below their means should consider a shorter-term loan, especially if their 30-year mortgage would penalize them for paying the loan off before it reaches full maturity.

Mortgage payments have a way of dominating homeowners’ thoughts. But those homeowners who want to get out from under their mortgage payments without selling their homes have a handful of options at their disposal.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

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How to keep your garage work space Auto enthusiasts often find their garage is a sanctuary where they can go and think about their vehicles and little else. Similar to a carpenter’s workshop or a gardener’s backyard, a garage can be a place where auto enthusiasts unwind as they pursue their passions for automobiles.

But no garage is a true sanctuary if it is not safe, and the following are a few ways auto enthusiasts can ensure their work space is safe and sound. t Keep an adequately stocked first aid kit on

hand. An accessible first aid kit can be the difference between a minor injury and a significant health issue. Make sure the first aid kit is easily accessible, ideally on a low shelf that you can reach should you suffer an injury that limits your mobility. Periodically restock your first aid kit with necessary supplies. t Post the national Poison Control Hotline number in plain view. That number is 1-800-222-1222 in the United States. t Always bring your cell phone with you when working in your workshop. Though it might seem like a good idea to escape from life’s distractions and leave your cell phone inside when working on your vehicle, that cell phone may be your only way to contact the outside world should you suffer an injury. You don’t have to answer the phone when it rings, but be sure to bring it with you as a safety precaution whenever you will be working alone in the garage. t Install a functioning fire extinguisher in your garage, and learn how to use it. Be sure to periodically check the extinguisher’s expiration date and make sure it’s easily accessible. t Keep hazardous materials out of the reach of children. Read the labels on products. Items whose labels include warnings and cautions or suggest

products can be poisonous if or when they are ingested should be stored where kids cannot reach them. If necessary, store them in a cabinet that can be locked. t Store gasoline in a locked outdoor shed or, if keeping it in the garage, make sure youngsters won’t be able to reach it. Make sure the gasoline container is childproof and approved for gasoline storage. t Wear chemical safety glasses when using hazardous solvents and cleaning products. Wear safety glasses with side shields when using power tools. t Don’t allow children into your work space when you’re working on your vehicle. t Wear tight clothing and take off all jewelry.

Loose clothing and dangling jewelry that can easily get caught in moving parts, greatly increasing your risk of injury. t Unplug any power cords before trouble-shooting any problems with your power tools. t When working with power tools, unplug them when taking a break from work and when leaving your work space, even if such breaks are only momentary.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

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My basement is wet Few things can cause more damage to a home than water. Leaks and flooding can cause various structural insufficiencies and may lead to unsafe conditions in a home. Panic often sets in when water enters a home.

Some homeowners live in areas where a high water table inevitably forces groundwater up and into subterranean living spaces. Others live close to rivers and streams that can overflow and cause home flooding. Still others who may not have had a water problem before learn that a heavy rainfall and perhaps inadequate drainage outdoors, can cause water damage to a home.

Compounding these issues is the fact that very often a home’s utility systems are located out of the

way in basements, or these spaces may be finished to create additional living space. Water in a basement can be much more than a nuisance. Water can lead to thousands of dollars in damage.

Moisture or several inches of water in a basement is nothing to take lightly. Furnaces and water heaters damaged by water can be costly to replace.

Wires that come in contact with water can become hazards and cause an electrical fire, and water in a basement may be a harbinger for bacteria and viruses, creating unsanitary living conditions in the home. Mold spores that have developed in a damp basement can spread to other areas of the home thanks to a heating and cooling forced air system.

And a cool, damp spot can be the perfect habitat for insects.

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When a basement develops a water problem, it is best to call in a professional. A professional can remedy the situation faster than if you try several methods to fix the water problem yourself. When looking for a waterproofing company, seek recommendations from people you trust. Only do business with licensed professional contractors who are willing to give you a free estimate. You also can check out businesses by contacting consumer advocacy groups. You may be able to read up on their business practices and learn if there have been any complaints lodged against a company in the past.

Hydrostatic pressure, poor foundations and cracks can cause water to enter the house. Each situation is different, and a combination of exterior and interior changes may need to be made. In order to alleviate some water problems, certain modifications must be made. While the following solutions may not be applicable in each situation, they are some of the more common modifications plumbers suggest when fixing flooded basements.

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Sump pump: In some cases, the installation of a well and a submersible

pump may be all that’s needed to keep basements dry. When water rises high enough to start the pump, the sump pump will then expel the water out through a pipe to a drain or the street. Sometimes a sump pump works in concert with a French drainage system, which is a channel around the perimeter of the basement that funnels water to the sump pump well.

Vapor barriers: Vinyl, plastic and paint encapsulation systems may be

applied to the interior of foundation walls to serve as a barrier system. This prevents water or condensation from reaching the interior of the house. A vapor barrier may extend below the foundation to direct water runoff into a drainage system.

Exterior fixes: There are many ways to address flooding from outside the

home. These include using outdoor vapor barriers and paints, having grading issues corrected so water will flow away from the home, digging of a swale to catch water away from the basement, exterior drainage systems, and utilizing specialized rain gutters and downspouts to direct water further away from the home during rainstorms.

Plumbing repairs: Sometimes water issues may be the result of a pipe

backup or a faulty appliance and not necessarily an outdoor water issue. In these cases, repairing the source of the leak may be all that’s needed.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

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important before painting Painting a home’s interior can give it a completely new look and feel. A fresh coat of paint can make a room feel more vibrant and up-to-date, creating a whole new attitude within the room without breaking the bank.

the least of which is its role as a bonding agent between the wall and the top coat of paint. Primer can also help conceal dark colors, prevent stains and increase the life expectancy of the paint job you are about to undertake.

Whether creating an accent wall or painting each wall within a room, painting is a relatively easy and inexpensive home improvement project. But that doesn’t mean painting does not require a little prep work before the project can begin.

Prepare your paint. Preparing the paint is a simple task, but one novice painters may not be aware of. When opening a new can of paint, stir the paint thoroughly before using it. In addition, even if you don’t plan to use a roller, do not paint straight from the can, which can be heavier and more likely to spill than a small bowl. In addition, once paint has been removed from the can, replace the lid so dust and other impurities do not settle in the can.

Address any holes or bumps on the wall. Holes or cracks in the wall will need to be patched with spackle, which then must dry before the wall can be given a new coat of paint. In addition, sand down any bumps until the walls are smooth and free of any unsightly abnormalities.

Wash the walls. Walls can get dirty, and that dirt may or may not be masked by paint. Before adding a new coat of paint, wash the walls and inspect them for dust. Dust can collect on molding, especially in rooms that get little natural air. When dust has collected on the molding and around doorways and trim, use a damp cloth to wipe it away before adding any new paint.

Apply primer. Primer can serve many functions, not

Purchase painter’s tape. Painter’s tape can be especially valuable to novice painters. Painter’s tape makes it easier to paint smooth and clean paint lines, giving a room a more professional looking coat of paint.

Painting can be an inexpensive and fun way to upgrade a home’s interior. But even though painting does not require the technical know-how of more large-scale home improvement projects, it still requires some prep work and attention to detail to ensure the job is done right.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

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a builder Whether the kids have all grown up and moved out or if the kids are on the way and it’s time to expand a living area, building a new home is an exciting, yet often agonizing, experience. The reasons for building a new home are many, but regardless of the reason, the process of choosing a builder should remain the same. t Look for a builder with a solid reputation. A builder’s reputation speaks volumes, but it doesn’t have to speak for itself. That’s because a builder who has spent years providing personal service, innovative design and quality workmanship will no doubt have a host of happy former customers ready and willing to offer their input. If during the interview process a builder appears reticent to share his work or experiences with previous customers, this should be a red flag.

Reputable builders will be proud of their work and more than willing to show it off. t Find a builder who is flexible. You will be paying to build your home, not the builder’s home. A builder should be flexible and ready and willing to meet your needs, no matter how unique they might be. t Look for a builder who does more than build. A good builder should do more than just build. A builder should provide a network of qualified professionals to make the process go more smoothly.

This network should include real estate and building consultants, interior designers, architects and engineers. Such connections can provide peace of mind and will also illustrate that a builder is both respected in the community and is intent on ensuring your home becomes the dream home you envision it to be. t Don't build on the cheap. Buyers who plan to build their own home are in the unique position to ensure their home is as safe and high-quality as possible. This isn't always the case when buying a resale, so make the most of your opportunity and use only top-ofthe-line construction materials and features and choose a builder with experience in working with such materials and features. Building on the cheap could prove disastrous in the not too distant future, so don’t sacrifice on quality when building a new home.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

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A patch of dead grass on an otherwise lush lawn can be a frustrating eyesore for homeowners.

But as unsightly as dead grass can be, addressing it and restoring the dead patches can be somewhat simple. Before you can restore grass, however, you must first identify the source of the problem.

Grass often dies because of urine damage, which is typically characterized by a dead spot surrounded by otherwise green grass. Grub infestation might be at fault when dead grass appears, and such an infestation often produces patches of light brown grass that are scattered throughout the lawn. It’s also possible that dead grass is a result of human error. If your lawn was overfertilized, then patches of gray-green grass may appear. Fungal disease is another common culprit behind dead grass, and such disease can manifest itself in different ways.

Once you have identified why the grass is dead, which may require the help of a professional, then you can begin to treat your lawn.

Urine damage Urine damage is often limited to a particular area of the grass where your family pet routinely relieves itself. Once a particular patch of grass has worn down, the pet may move on to another

spot. But if you quickly notice a dead spot due to urine damage, you can train the animal to urinate elsewhere, limiting the damage it causes. When repairing the grass, dig a hole that’s roughly four inches deep and fill it with fresh soil until it’s level with the soil surrounding the dead patch. Then you can sprinkle seed on top of the freshly laid soil and water the spot.Grass should grow in and stay green so long as you prevent further urine damage.

Insect damage Addressing dead spots caused by insect damage can be a little more complicated, and some homeowners may prefer to hire a professional.

If you want to handle the problem on your own, apply pesticide to the affected areas so the insects behind the problem are killed. Once the insects are no more, cut the grass, raking the affected area to remove the dead grass and any additional debris. Scatter grass seed over the affected areas and then apply an appropriate fertilizer and water immediately. Professionals may know just the right fertilizer for your lawn, so even if you want to go it alone, visit a local lawn care center to ask for

advice about addressing your particular problem.

Fertilizer damage Fertilizer damage can also prove difficult to address, as applying fresh seeds too soon can kill any freshly growing seedlings. So grass that has been damaged by overfertilization must first be allowed to fully die. Once that has happened, the grass can be cut and any remaining debris or dead grass can be removed. Seed can then be scattered, and you can even add some additional soil before laying down an appropriate amount of fertilizer and watering the lawn immediately. If you don’t trust yourself to use fertilizer correctly, then hire a professional to do the job for you. This will cost a little more, but you likely won’t wake up to more dead patches of grass down the road.

Dead grass can be unsightly and turn an otherwise lush lawn into a patchy eyesore. But addressing dead grass can be easy and can quickly restore a lawn to its green grandeur.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

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Storage sheds can be invaluable for people who do not have a garage or basement in which to store their outdoor tools and equipment. Sheds also can be a boon to anyone looking to increase the storage space they have at home.

Prefabricated and made-to-order sheds are available for all different budgets and storage needs. Buyers also can choose among build-to-suit kits that can be ordered online or from various retailers.

One of the first decisions homeowners need to make when shopping for a storage shed is how much space they need. Think about what you need to house in the shed. Will it hold shovels and the patio umbrella, or will it need to be larger to accommodate a lawn mower? Knowing

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what you intend to use the shed for will enable you to pick the appropriate size.

Another thing to consider is how long you plan to use the shed. If this is merely a transitional storage building to bide your time until your garage renovation is complete, you may not need an expensive structure made of top-of-the-line materials.

If you have a long lifetime planned for this shed, you will want a durable structure and might want to increase your budget.

Before buying a shed, find out if your town has any zoning rules about sheds. You may need to plan a trip to the municipal building and learn the building codes about erecting a shed.

In order to protect the safety and integrity of the area, many towns and

cities have specific zoning and building laws that need to be followed. A shed of a certain size may require a permit to be built, and knowing this information in advance can save you from taking down the shed and redoing the work at a later date.

Once you know the building codes, you can begin to shop around for a shed. Sheds can vary widely in price.

A small, vertical lean-to shed may start out around $350, while a larger, more intricate structure can cost between $2,000 and $3,000.

Available materials also should be studied when buying a shed. While an aluminum shed may not be the most aesthetically appealing option, they do tend to be affordable and durable. Wood sheds are available in all different styles and can be very attractive. However, they will have to be maintained to prevent rot and insect infestation. Vinyl sheds may are often durable and require little maintenance. Some sheds even enable you to build or add on different components at a later date, so you don’t need to start out with the elite model at the outset.

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Consider if you have the skill set to assemble the shed yourself. If you aren’t sure, consider hiring a carpenter.

Keep in mind that sheds displayed in a warehouse store or outside at a home improvement retailer may seem smaller than they will when erected in your yard. Measure your space carefully to ensure that the shed will not be an eyesore in the yard. Shrubbery can be planted around the shed to help camouflage it, and the shed also can be color-coordinated with the house to make it appear more cohesive.

The foundation of the shed also needs to be considered. Sheds can rest on cinder blocks, poured concrete or crushed stone. Check with the shed manufacturer as to the best foundation material, and factor that expense into your purchase.

An attractive, functional and affordable shed can be an asset to a home.

It provides extra storage space for outdoor equipment, which can free up room in a garage or basement.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

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Moving can be an adventure for Mom and Dad, but children may not have such an enthusiastic outlook. While there is no way to be certain how kids will react to the news of the family uprooting itself, parents can take steps to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.

Estimates suggest that one in five American families move each year. While many of those who are moving are singles or couples, families may move to pursue job opportunities or to find neighborhoods that are a better fit for growing families.

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Moving can be disruptive and put added stress on all members of the family. While adults may understand the end gain of moving, children may find relocating to be particularly traumatic. With their children’s routines and familiar surroundings being changed on a constant basis until the move, parents can explore some strategies to make the transition more tolerable.

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of moving, and informing them early on allows them to adjust. It also gives children time to approach their parents or caregivers with questions or concerns about the move.

Be open to questions. Children are bound to have questions

about the move. Kids will likely want to know why the family has to move and what will happen to their friends and classmates? Parents can prepare for these questions and jot down answers that help kids feel more positive about the move. Answer all questions to alleviate any insecurities kids might have.

Remain positive. Sometimes a family decision to move is made

for them, such as when a family relocates for a new job. Other children have to move because their parents are separating. Children take their cues from their parents, and therefore parents should try to present the move in the best light possible and be enthusiastic about the new opportunities that await their children, including the opportunity to make new friends and experience new things.

Involve kids in the packing and planning. Let the

children help with some of the tasks involved in moving. Enable them to pack a box or two of their own belongings, particularly the items that mean the most to them. When looking at new home prospects, take into consideration their likes and dislikes about the new home or neighborhood. Having a stake in the move can increase kids’ involvement and make them more likely to embrace the move.

Think about moving mid-year. When timing a move,

some experts believe the transition for school-aged children is easier when the move occurs while school is in session. This enables children to meet new kids and make friends right away, rather than spending several months of summer vacation alone. Parents also benefit because they get right into a routine and can meet neighbors and friends through the acquaintances of their children.

Create new positive memories. Although there will be

many memories linked to the home you’re leaving behind, you can immediately start making memories in your new home. Establish a family dining spot in the new neighborhood when looking at homes for sale or waiting for a new home to be built. Visit the library or stores in the area prior to moving in so that these new places will seem familiar once you have moved. Introduce yourselves to new neighbors prior to moving, even letting kids play with their prospective neighbors. This way they’ll have something to look forward to when it comes time to relocate.

Stick to schedules as much as possible. Although

moving can throw schedules out of whack, it helps to keep to routines as much as possible, especially when dealing with young children. Try to maintain consistent mealtimes and bedtimes. Let children have ample time to play with friends or just relax alone.

Set up children’s rooms first. To establish normalcy as

soon as possible, focus on the children’s rooms first before moving on to other areas of the home so that their private spaces can be restful and comfortable. This gives kids a secure place to retire to while other areas of the home are being remodeled or furnished.

Families move for a variety of reasons. These tips can make the moving process go smoothly for adults and children alike.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

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37th Annual Home Show

BISMARCK-MANDAN HBA

Concrete problems avoided With proper installation

Concrete is a popular structural material among homeowners. One of the more affordable options for patios and other structures, concrete also can be durable and attractive. However, because no material is impervious to damage, concrete will need to be maintained, and certain problems can arise when concrete is not properly installed.

Though an excellent material, concrete is not perfect. Even under ideal conditions, concrete can crack and breakage can occur. Here are some of the common complaints regarding concrete.

Scaling and spalling: Scaling and spalling is the crumbling effect of con-

crete. Very often this occurs from changes in climate, particularly freezing and thawing that causes structures to expand and contract. In areas where freezing and thawing conditions exist, masons should not overwork the concrete in an effort to keep an abundance of air in the mixture. Entrapped air will help buffer the freeze/thaw conditions. Use of chemical fertilizers in and around concrete can also lead to scaling. Chemicals can break down the surface of the concrete. This is a particular problem when using rock salt and de-icing products during the winter. Over time, something as simple as table salt can etch concrete or cause spalling. The National Research Council’s Strategic Highway Research Program has found that magnesium chloride salt blends produce the least amount of damage on concrete surfaces.

Discoloration: Concrete should have a uniform color if the same mix is

used. But discoloration can occur if water is added at the job site, the concrete is of varying thickness or if the material does not cure uniformly. Color issues can also occur if hard troweling is used on the exterior concrete.

Continued on next page

BISMARCK-MANDAN HBA

37th Annual Home Show

Continued from previous page

Crazing: This is a phenomenon when the concrete shows several intercon-

nected fine cracks. Cracks will appear when the concrete is damp. Usually this occurs when cement paste comes up to the surface and then shrinks. To avoid this, masons should be careful not to finish concrete until all water has evaporated and not sprinkle water onto the concrete while finishing it. Using a broom finish also can help.

Cracking: It can be disheartening to have a pristine concrete surface only to

see cracks begin to form. Sometimes even with the best application, concrete can crack from subgrade settlement or shrinkage during drying and curing times. Utilizing flexible concrete joints to help with the expansion and contraction of the concrete can help. Also, including a low-shrinkage aggregate in the mix may alleviate major cracks.

Staining: Staining does not result from concrete installation or finish-

ing. Staining occurs after the fact, when liquids or other materials discolor the concrete. This can happen when fluids from a car in a driveway stain the concrete. Leaves and plant matter left on the surface of the concrete may also cause staining. The best way to alleviate stains is to prevent them in the first place. Always sweep or blow away debris. Maintain vehicles so they don’t leak fluid. Power washers can remove some stains, but it’s still best to prevent them in the first place.

Problems can arise when building with concrete, but finding an installer who understands the nature of concrete can reduce the risk of those problems presenting themselves.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

Did you know?

Found in rock, soil, water, natural gas, and some building materials, radon is a radioactive gas. Exposure to radon can cause cancer. Radon can seep in through the foundation of a home or building built on radon-contaminated soil. Inhabitants of homes contaminated with radon or those who work in buildings where radon has seeped in may be at a greater risk of developing cancer than those who do not live or work in such buildings. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, radon is responsible for about 21,000 deaths from lung cancer each year in the United States alone, and roughly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. has unsafe levels of radon. Radon is most often found in basements because the gas sinks to the lowest points in buildings. However, even those homes or buildings without basements can have unsafe levels of radon. Property owners should have their homes or buildings tested for radon, as exposure to radon does not produce any symptoms, meaning those who live and work in buildings where they are being exposed to radon won’t know unless buildings are routinely tested. Kits to test radon levels can be purchased at many hardware stores, or property owners can hire professionals to conduct tests for them.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

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37th Annual Home Show

Many homeowners have found themselves scrambling to make their homes handicap accessible after a sudden injury or illness. In addition, some homeowners have found themselves looking to make adjustments to their homes in anticipation of welcoming elderly or less mobile relatives into their homes.

Converting a home into a handicap-accessible space can seem like a daunting task that requires adjustments to nearly every part of the house. While the extent of those adjustments depends on the individual who needs to be accommodated, some of the areas homeowners must address when making their homes handicap accessible are universal regardless of the individual’s condition.

Entryways A home’s entryways often must be addressed when making the home more handicap accessible. Portable ramps can be an affordable option and are often an ideal for those who only need to make temporary adjustments, such as when a resident suffers an injury that requires he or she spend some time in a wheelchair.

When the adjustments will just be temporary, a folding wheelchair might be necessary, as the doorways might not be able to fit a standard wheelchair that doesn’t fold.

When adjustments are to be permanent, homeowners might need to expand the doorways in their homes.

Contractors typically recommend expanding doorways to at least 32 inches to provide some maneuverability when wheelchairs, which are typically between 24 and 27 inches wide, are entering the home. Doorways at the most commonly used entryways, including front doors and doors to the bathrooms as well as the individual’s bedroom, will likely need to be widened.

Bathroom The bathroom might be the area of the home that needs the most attention. Slippery conditions common to bathrooms can make things especially difficult for people in wheelchairs or with disabilities. Grab bars should be installed in bath tubs and shower stalls and

next to toilets.

But grab bars aren’t the only adjustment homeowners should make in the bathroom as they attempt to make a home more handicap accessible. Safety treads, which can provide a secure, slip-free surface on the floors of showers and tubs, can be installed. Add a hand-held shower head to the shower stall to make it easier for those with a disability to shower. Portable transfer seats, which enable wheelchair-bound men and women to transition from their chairs to showers and bathtubs, can be purchased and kept in or near the bathroom.

Water fixtures An often overlooked adjustment homeowners must make when transforming their homes into handicap-accessible spaces concerns the sinks throughout the home.

Disabled persons may find it difficult to access faucets on sinks throughout the home, especially when there are vanity cabinets beneath the sinks. Replacing such sinks with pedestal sinks can improve maneuverability, but make sure such sinks are lower to the ground than standard pedestal sinks. A sink that’s just a few inches lower than a standard sink is considerably more accessible to people in wheelchairs.

Closets Closets are rarely handicap accessible. Homeowners can address this issue by creating multi-level closet spaces so individuals can place their clothes at accessible heights.

Closet shelves can be lowered and doors can be widened so disabled persons can easily manage their wardrobes.

In addition, consider installing a light inside the closet and make sure the light switch can be easily reached from a wheelchair.

Making a home more handicap accessible can be a significant undertaking, but many of the adjustments homeowners must make are small in scale and won’t take long to complete.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

BISMARCK-MANDAN HBA

2014 HBA Home Show Convenient Pull-Out Section Take this 8 page pull-out section with you to get the most out of your Home Show experience.

3 7 t h

A n n u a l Scan to visit www.bmhba.com

For your convenience, this section includes booth maps of all three exhibit spaces, as well as booth listings by product and exhibitor.

2014 HBA Home Show Convenient Pull-Out Section BOOTH LISTINGS BY PRODUCT Accessibility Products Luxury Baths & Beyond........................... 1115-1117 St. Alexius Great Plains Rehabilitation Services... 217-218 Advertising - TV/Radio/Print BEK Communications........................................1079 ND Living Magazine............................................185 Apparel HalfToned Apparel.............................................1210 Appliances Fleck’s Furniture & Appliance, Inc.......................212 Montana Dakota Utilities Company........................31 Architecture Matrix Design.....................................................134 Audio/Video Dakota Sound Systems, Inc...................................36 Pacific Sound & Video..................................... 6A-7A Premier Audio.....................................................121 Auto Parts/Service Kupper Chevrolet..............................................1120 Auto Sales Kupper Chevrolet..............................................1120 Awnings Automated Awnings & Saunas............................17A G & J Awning & Canvas Co............................. 86-87 Banks/Financial Services American Bank Center........................................133 BNC National Bank...............................................22 Capital Credit Union........................................ 16-17 Dakota Community Bank & Trust...........................70 Gate City Bank......................................................82 Kirkwood Bank & Trust Co.................................1040 Northland Financial.............................................125 Plains Commerce Bank........................... 1079-1080 Starion Financial...............................................1112 Basement Waterproofing B.L.A.K. Jacket............................................... 74-75 Innovative Basement Systems................ 1093-1096 Precision Concrete Cutters, Inc............... 1122-1124 Building Supplies Advanced Truss Fabricators................................221 Builders Supply Co.....................169-172 & 181-184 Front Street Millwork & Lumber, Inc.....131-132 & 143-144 ProBuild.............................................49-50 & 61-62 Truss Systems, Inc..............................................153 Cabinets Cedar River Cabinetry, LLC..................................805 D & M Industries, Inc.............................................92 Huntwood.........................................................1034 Leingang Home Center........63-66 & 76-78 & 88-90 Sparling Construction, Inc..................28-30 & 41-42 Your Home Improvement Company......... 1103-1104 Central Vac J&R Vacuum & Sewing Inc................... 1033 & 1043 City Departments City of Bismarck (Inspections, Public Works, Fire Dept)... 1080-1082 Community Organization Sam’s Club 4933..............................................1105 Concrete Contractors Concrete Mudjacking Services..............................15 Precision Concrete Cutters, Inc............... 1122-1124

Concrete Countertops Sculpture By Design................................... 189-190 Tobias Marman Construction.................................71 Concrete Decorative Myhre Concrete Design, Inc..................................47 Sculpture By Design................................... 190-191 Concrete Edging Elegant Edging....................................................164 Valley Borders...................................................1209 Concrete Forms - Insulated Building Block Forms, Inc....................................219 Concrete Resurfacing Imperial Flooring.................................................112 Concrete Supplier Structural Materials................................ 1010-1013 Countertops Fabricators Unlimited.................................. 135-136 Heim Granite Inc........................................ 180&192 Custom Cabinets Creative Wood Designs................................... 51-52 Sparling Construction, Inc..................29-30 & 41-42 Custom Mirrors Haider Glass Specialties.............................. 165-166 Red River Glazing, Inc............................. 1090-1092 Custom Showers Haider Glass Specialties.............................. 165-166 Luxury Baths & Beyond........................... 1115-1116 Red River Glazing, Inc............................. 1090-1092 Decks Bismarck Patio Design........................................149 Regal Home Solutions.......................................1206 Decorative Etching Cutting Edge Custom Etching & Sandcarving......13A Valley Borders...................................................1209 Doors Builders Supply Co.....................169-172 & 181-184 D & M Industries, Inc....................................... 92-93 Fargo Glass & Paint Co.......1053-1057 & 1063-1067 Heartland Pella Windows & Doors.... 127-128 & 139-140 ProBuild.............................................49-50 & 61-62 The Window & Door Store.............................. 6 & 18 Yanish Custom Exteriors....................25-26 & 37-38 Your Home Improvement Company......... 1103-1104 Egress Windows Innovative Basement Systems................ 1073-1075 Precision Concrete Cutters, Inc............... 1122-1124 Electrical Supplier One Source Lighting, Inc............................. 137-138 Electronic Technology Capital Electric/Touchstone Energy............. 173-174 Dakota Sound Systems, Inc...................................36 Electro Watchman, Inc..........................................69 Premier Audio.....................................................121 Energy Capital Electric/Touchstone Energy............. 173-174 Montana Dakota Utilities Company........................31 Energy Efficiency Earth Energy & Water Systems..........................1035 Extreme Panel Tech Inc.....................................1071 GreenLight Systems.................................... 177-179 Lexar Homes.......................................... 1213-1214 WaterFurnace International.................................215

Equipment Acme Tools................................................. 193-195 Bobcat of Mandan....................................... 79 & 91 Northern Plains Equipment Company, Inc....147-148 & 160 RDO Equipment Company....................... 1093-1096 Fencing Dakota Fence.............................................. 167-168 Hidden Fence of Bismarck..................................211 Mastel’s Country Estate Fence............................15A Fireplaces & Stoves Burning Desires...................................... 1013-1015 Hebron Brick & Block.........................11-12 & 23-24 Heim Granite Inc...................................... 152 & 164 Keller Hearth ‘n Home Products 106-108 & 118-120 Sculpture By Design................................... 190-191 Flag Poles Summit Flag & Pole, LLC.....................................146 Flags Summit Flag & Pole, LLC.....................................146 Flooring Carpet Direct......................................................162 Carpet World................................................... 59-60 Diamond Hardwood Flooring LLC..........................35 House of Color, Inc................................................55 Imperial Flooring.................................................112 Keller Hardwood Floors, Inc..................... 1084-1085 Magi-Touch Carpet One Floor & Home.... 1041-1042 Rodger’s Hardwood Floors, Inc............................161 Food Products A Spice Above.....................................................10A Sam’s Club 4933..............................................1105 Sunco Sales...................... 97,109,101,1128 & 1109 Tastefully Simple................................................19A Food/Cooking Cook’s Warehouse, Inc......................................1121 Cutco Cutlery........................................................32 Exquisite Lifestyles, LLC......................... 1203-1204 Southern Distribution..........................................801 Garage Design Interior Garage Logic, Inc.........................................104,116 Midwest Doors Inc......................................103, 115 Garage Doors/Openers CS Doors, Inc.................................................. 53-54 Midwest Doors Inc./Garage Pro...... 103-104 & 115-116 General Contractors American Steel Systems.......................................27 Award Roofing & Construction.................... 207-208 Better Roofing & Contracting, LLC.......................105 L/B Homes, Inc.................................................1118 J & S Home Builders.........................................1044 Modular Dimensions Construction Services of USA, Inc.... 222 Paramount Builders, Inc.......................... 1130-1131 Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling...............1084 Schaff Construction..............................................20 Sparling Construction, Inc..................28-30 & 41-42 Ultimate Construction Inc of USA...........................34 Geothermal Earth Energy & Water Systems..........................1035 Geothermal Hydronic Drilling, Inc..........................85 WaterFurnace International.................................213 Giveaway Summerwinds Resort Services, LLC........ 1125-1127 Glass Contractors Haider Glass Specialties.............................. 165-166 Red River Glazing, Inc............................. 1090-1092

Glass Decorative Haider Glass Specialties.............................. 165-166 Red River Glazing, Inc............................. 1090-1092 Granite Countertops Fabricators Unlimited.................................. 135-136 Gutter Toppers Gutter Topper Of ND....................................... 43- 44 Gutters ABC Seamless, Inc.................................. 1004-1009 Ressler Siding & Window...........129-130 & 141-142 Western Products......................175-176 & 187-188 Yanish Custom Exteriors....................25-26 & 37-38 Health Amazing Life Products......................................1052 Discover Health Chiropractic...............................111 Gossett Chiropractic Arts...................................1036 Health Source Chiropractic & Progressive Rehab........56 Javita Weight-loss Coffee..................................1085 M & E Sales......................................................1072 N.D. Dept of Health.............................................18A ND Life Spa......................................................1089 Pathways Chiropractic & Wellness....................1215 Profile by Sanford Sanford AirMed.....................................................32 St. Alexius Great Plains Rehabilitation Services.... 218- 219 Heating & HVAC A-1 Heating & Air................................................149 Automated Awnings & Saunas............................17A HeatMyFloors.com................................................14 Northern Plains Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.....19 Northern Plains Plumbing & Heating...................196 Home Builders (Custom) Blue Ox Timber Frames.......................................151 Boulder Homes...................................................163 Diversity Homes, Inc................................... 213-214 Homark Homes, Inc...........................................1114 Hopfauf Custom Builders............................ 113-114 L/B Homes, Inc.................................................1117 Lexar Homes....................................................1058 Lindal Cedar Homes............................................206 Mitzel Homes.............................................. 155-156 Modular Dimensions Construction Services of USA, Inc.... 222 Nodak Construction..............................................96 Odden Construction..............................................46 Paramount Builders, Inc.......................... 1130-1131 Patriot Homes...................................................1219 Pearson Home Builders, Inc................................216 Prairie Outpost Log Homes.................................152 Prestige Homes & Design.....................................13 Red Door Homes..................................... 1101-1102 Redford Signature Homes.....................................84 Sparling Construction, Inc..................28-30 & 41-42 Stoneshire Builders...........................................1070 SSS Construction, Inc............................................67 Tobias Marman Construction.................................71 Ultimate Construction Inc of USA...........................34 Vance Vetter Homes............................. 1076 & 1086 Venture Building Company................................1211 Well Built Homes, Inc..........................................209 Home Furnishings Fleck’s Furniture & Appliance, Inc.......................212 Hot Spring Spas & Pool Tables 2............. 1203-1204 House of Color, Inc................................................55 I. Keating Furniture World..................................106A Magi-Touch Carpet One Floor & Home.... 1041-1042 Sunco Sales...................... 97,109,101,1128 & 1109 Continued on page 35

2014 HBA Home Show Convenient Pull-Out Section EXIT ONLY DOORS CONCESSIONS Automated Awnings & Saunas #17A ND Department of Health #18A Tastefully Simple #19A

EXHIBIT HALL ENTRANCE Pacific Sound & Video #6A-7A

A Spice Above #10A

Cutting Edge Custom Etching & Sandcarving #13A Mastel’s Country Estate Fence #15A

ELEVATOR

I. Keating Furniture World #106A

WOMEN TO MAIN ARENA

MEN

Foyer Events

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2014 HBA Home Show Convenient Pull-Out Section Modular Spray Harter’s Dimensions Advanced Foam Landscap- Construction Truss Solutions, ing Services of Fabricators LLC USA, Inc. #223 #221 #220 #222

Prestige Homes & Design #13 HeatMyFloors.com #14

Precision Pavers #308-310

The Window Source Coatings Unlimited Bismarck Lawn Sprinkling of Bismarck & Landscaping #304 #305 #303

Hot Springs Spas & Pool Tables 2 #1203-1204

Concrete Mudjacking Services #15 Capital Credit Union #16-17

The Window & Door Store #6 & 18

Building Block Forms, Inc. #219

St. Alexius Great Plains Rehabilitation Services #217-218

Yanish Custom Exteriors #25-26 & 37-38

American Steel Systems #27

Snortum’s Landscape & Design #39

Profile by Sanford #28

Willow View Estates #40

Sparling Construction, Inc. #29-30 & 41-42

Pearson Home WaterFurnace Builders, International #215 Inc. #216

Diversity Homes #213-214

ProBuild #49-50 & 61-62

Hidden Fleck’s Precision Furniture & Fence Siding & of Appliances Construction Bismarck #212 #210 #211

Whispering Bay Corporation #73

Geothermal Hydronic Drilling #85

B.L.A.K. Jacket #74-75

G & J Awning & Canvas, Inc. #86-87

Creative Wood Designs #51-52 Leingang Home Center #63-66 CS Doors, Inc. #53-54

Leingang Home Center #76-78 & 88-90

2014 Exhibit Hall Dakota Impres- Northern Plains sions Landscaping Heating & Air & Design, LLC Conditioning, Inc. #7 #19

Montana Dakota Utlities Co. #31

Big Sky Insulations #8

Schaff Construction #20

Cutco Cutlery #32

Keller Hardwood Floors #9

Bismarck Landscaping & Services #21

Plant Perfect #33

Versa-Lok #10

BNC National Bank #22

Hebron Brick & Block #11-12 & 23-24

Gutter Topper of ND #43-44

Northern Sky Lights #45

House of Color, Inc. #55

SSS Construction, Inc. #67

Health Source Chiropractic & Progressive Rehab #56

Dakota Wall Systems, Inc. #68

Oceans Paradise #57

Electro Watchman, Inc. #69

Bobcat of Mandan #79 & 91 Rocks & D&M Blocks Landscaping & Industries, Inc. #92-93 Contracting #80-81 CD Gate City Bank Communications, Inc. #82 #94

Ultimate Odden Construction Construction Inc. of USA #46 #34 Diamond Myhre Concrete Hardwood Design, Inc. Flooring, Inc. #47 #35

City Air Dakota Community Mechanical, Inc. Bank & Trust #58 #70 Tobias Marman Construction, LLC #71

H.A. Thompson & Sons #83

Dakota Foam, Inc. #95

Century 21 Bianco Realty Morrison Realty #36 #48

Property Resources Group #72

Redford Signature Homes #84

Nodak Construction #96

CONCESSIONS

Carpet World #59-60

ENTRANCE FROM FOYER

2014 HBA Home Show Convenient Pull-Out Section Award Roofing & Construction #207-208

Well Built Homes #209

Lindal Cedar Homes #206

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Bismarck Patio Designs #205

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Sunco Sales #97 & 109

All Seasons Landscape #98-100

Discover Health Chiropractic #111 Imperial Flooring #112

Sunco Sales #101

Superior Window Coverings #145

Tri Energy #122

Matrix Design #134

Summit Flag & Pole, LLC #146

Asoociated Pool Builders #123-124

Fabricators Unlimited #135-136

Northland Financial #125 Pro-Foam Insulation #126

Midwest Doors, Inc. #103 & 115

One Source Lighting, Inc. #137-138

Heartland Pella Windows & Doors #127-128 & 139-140

Martin’s Decorative Stones #157

Prairie Supply Company #158-159

Builders Supply Co. #169-172 & 181-184

Northern Plains Equipment Co., Inc. #147, 148 & 160

A-1 Heating & Air #149

Rodgers Hardwood Floors, Inc. #161

Bristol Windows #150

Carpet Direct #162

Blue Ox Timber Frames #151

Boulder Homes #163

Prairie Outpost Log Homes #152

Elegant Edging #164

Capital Electric/ Touchstone Energy #173-174

ND Living Magazine #185 Sanford Air Med #186

CONCESSIONS

Brendel’s Lawn Sprinkling, Inc. #102

Hopfauf Custom Builders #113-114

American Bank Center #133

MEN

Powder House Pass #110

Premier Audio #121

Western Products #175-176 & 187-188

Garage Logic, Inc. #104 & 116 Better Roofing & The Ranch-T-Ranch Contracting, LLC Developers, Inc. #105 #117

SHOW OFFICE

Front Street Millwork & Lumber, Inc. #131-132 & 143-144

OVERHEAD DOOR

Dakota Filtration Solutions #154 Mitzel Homes #155-156

Haider Glass Specialties #165-166

GreenLight Systems #177-179

Sculpture

By Design, Inc. #189-190

Eco Chic Boutique #191

Dakota Fence #167-168

WOMEN

Keller Hearth ’n Home Products #106-108 & 118-120

Ressler Siding & Window #129-130 & 141-142

Truss Systems, Inc. #153

Heim Granite, Inc. #180 & 192

Acme Tools #193-195

Northern Plains Bath & Kitchen Plumbing & Consulting & Heating Design, Inc. #196 #197

2014 HBA Home Show Convenient Pull-Out Section Southern Distribution #801

TO EXHIBIT HALL

A+ Sunrooms, Awnings & Decks #1002-1003

Earth Energy Gossett & Water Chiropractic J&R Huntwood Arts Vacuum #1034 Systems, Inc. #1035 #1036 & Sewing, Inc. The Blind Guy #1033 & J&S Home Builders of North Dakota 1043 #1044 #1045-1046

Coldspring #804

Lee Unlimited #802-803

Cedar River Cabinetry, LLC #805

TO EXHIBIT HALL

Magi-Touch Kirkwood Carpet One Bank Floor & Home Anyleaks, & Trust Co. #1041-1042 #1040 Inc. #1039 & Fettig Jacobsen Amazing 1049 Millwork & Life Music Windows Products #1051 #1050 #1052

2014 Main Arena Central City Remodelers #1059-1060

Fargo Glass & Paint Co. #1053-1057 & 1063-1067

ABC Seamless, Inc. #1004-1009

Paramount Builders, Inc. #1130-1131

Redi-Rock of North Dakota #1061-1062

Northern-Air Stoneshire Extreme Panel Rainbow Builders Technologies, Vacuum Inc. #1070 #1069 #1071

Prime Property Inspections, LLC #1129

M&E Sales #1072

Sunco Sales #1128 Exquisite Lifestyles, LLC #1203-1204

Regal Home Solutions #1205-1206

Lexar Homes #1213-1214

Pathways FM Water Chiropractic Systems/ & Wellness Kinetico #1215 #1216

Structural Materials #1010-1011

TS Security #1012

Burning Desires #1013-1015

Valley Borders #1209

HalfToned Venture Building Apparel Company #1210 #1211

Patriot Homes #1219

Apple Creek Developers #1220

Allied Building Products #1212

Allied Building Products #1221-1222

Innovative Basement Systems #1073-1075

City of Bismarck Plains Commerce Bank Public Works Fire Dept. #1079-1080 #1081 #1082

Jack Chivers Realty #1083

ND Life Spa #1089

Vance Vetter Homes Paul Davis Javita #1076 & Restoration & Weight-loss 1086 Remodeling Coffee #1084 #1085

Your Home Improvement Company #1103-1104

RDO Sam’s Club 4933 Equipment Company #1105 #1106

Sunco Sales #1109

Precision Concrete Cutters, Inc. #1122-1124

Red River Glazing, Inc. #1090-1092

Great Plains Stone Coat of Security North Dakota, Systems LLC #1099 #1100

RDO Equipment Co. #1093-1096

Summerwind Resort Services, LLC #1125-1127

Cook’s Warehouse, Inc. #1121

Red Door Homes #1101-1102

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Leisure Palace #1110-1111

Starion Financial #1112

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TICKET SALES & PUBLIC ENTRANCE

Timber Ridge Plumbing & Heating #1113

Homark Homes, Inc. #1114

Luxury Baths & Beyond #1115-1117

L/B Homes, Inc. #1118

BEK Communications #1119-1120

Kupper Automotive #1121

2014 HBA Home Show Convenient Pull-Out Section BOOTH LISTINGS BY PRODUCt Continued from page 30 Home Theatres GreenLight Systems.................................... 177-179 Premier Audio.....................................................121 Hospitality Summerwinds Resort Services, LLC........ 1125-1127 HVAC Timber Ridge Plumbing & Heating.....................1113 A-1 Heating & Air................................................149 City Air Mechanical, Inc.........................................58 Insulation Big Sky Insulations.................................................8 Dakota Foam, Inc..................................................95 Pro-Foam Insulation............................................126 Spray Foam Solutions, LLC..................................220 Interior Design Eco Chic Boutique...............................................191 Fleck’s Furniture & Appliance, Inc.......................212 House of Color, Inc................................................55 Oceans Paradise...................................................57 Magi-Touch Carpet One Floor & Home.... 1041-1042 Internet BEK Communications........................................1079 IT Armor Interactive................................................133 Kitchen/Bath Remodel & Design Bath and Kitchen Consulting & Design, Inc..........197 Creative Wood Designs................................... 51-52 Sparling Construction, Inc..................28-30 & 41-42 Landscaping/Landscape Products All Seasons Landscaping.............................. 98-100 Bismarck Landscaping & Services........................21 Bismarck Lawn Sprinkling & Landscaping.... 303 Coldspring..........................................................804 Dakota Impressions Landscaping & Design, LLC.....7 Harter’s Landscaping..........................................223 Hebron Brick & Block.........................11-12 & 23-24 Integrity Landscaping..................................... 45-46 Martin’s Decorative Stones.................................157 Plant Perfect.........................................................33 Precision Pavers......................................... 308-310 Redi-Rock of North Dakota..................... 1061-1062 Rocks & Blocks Landscaping and Contracting...... 80-81 Snortum’s Landscape & Design............................39 Lawn & Garden Equipment Acme Tools................................................. 193-195 Bobcat of Mandan....................................... 79 & 91 Northern Plains Equipment Company, Inc....147-148 & 160 RDO Equipment Company....................... 1073-1075 Tri Energy...........................................................122 Lawn Care Bismarck Landscaping & Services........................21 Lawn Sprinkler Systems Bismarck Lawn Sprinkling & Landscaping.... 303 Brendel’s Lawn Sprinkling, Inc............................102 Lighting One Source Lighting, Inc............................. 137-138 Northern Sky Lights..............................................45 Log Homes Prairie Outpost Log Homes.................................152 Masonry/Brick/Stone Burning Desires...................................... 1014-1015

Hebron Brick & Block.........................11-12 & 23-24 Rocks & Blocks Landscaping and Contracting...... 80-81 Stone Coat of North Dakota, LLC.......................1100 Structural Materials................................ 1010-1011 Millwork D & M Industries, Inc.............................................92 Fettig Millwork & Windows................................1050 Front Street Millwork & Lumber, Inc.....131-132 & 143-144 Musical Instruments Jacobsen Music................................................1051 Paint/Painting Services Eco Chic Boutique...............................................191 Fargo Glass & Paint Co.......1053-1057 & 1063-1067 Sparling Construction, Inc..................28-30 & 41-42 Patio Supplies Leisure Palace........................................ 1110-1111 Versa-Lok.............................................................10 Phone BEK Communications........................................1079 Planner/Designer Matrix Design.....................................................134 Plumbing Anyleaks, Inc....................................... 1039 & 1049 City Air Mechanical, Inc.........................................58 H.A. Thompsons & Sons........................................83 Northern Plains Plumbing & Heating...................180 Prairie Supply Company.............................. 158-159 Timber Ridge Plumbing & Heating.....................1113 Pool Tables Hot Spring Spas & Pool Tables 2............. 1203-1204 Propane Tri Energy...........................................................122 Property Inspections Prime Property Inspections, LLC........................1129 Real Estate/Developers The Ranch -T Ranch Developers, Inc...................117 Apple Creek Developers....................................1220 Bianco Realty........................................................36 Century 21 Morrison Realty..................................48 Jack Chivers Realty..........................................1083 Mitzel Homes.............................................. 155-156 Nodak Construction..............................................96 Powder House Pass............................................110 Property Resources Group....................................72 Whispering Bay Corp.............................................73 Willow View Estates..............................................40 Remodelers Central City Remodelers......................... 1059-1060 Sparling Construction, Inc..................28-30 & 41-42 Tobias Marman Construction.................................71 Restoration Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling...............1084 Retail A Spice Above.....................................................10A Sam’s Club 4933..............................................1105 Sunco Sales...................... 97,109,101,1128 & 1109 Tastefully Simple................................................19A Retail Gardening Center Plant Perfect.........................................................33 Retaining Walls Dakota Wall Systems............................................68

Integrity Landscaping..................................... 45-46 Redi-Rock of North Dakota..................... 1061-1062 Rocks & Blocks Landscaping and Contracting...... 80-81 Versa-Lok.............................................................10 Roofing Award Roofing & Construction.................... 207-208 Better Roofing & Contracting, LLC.......................105 Interlock Industries...............................................35 Regal Home Solutions............................. 1205-1206 Western Products......................175-176 & 187-188 Saunas Hot Spring Spas & Pool Tables 2............. 1203-1204 Security Systems Electro Watchman, Inc..........................................69 Great Plains Security Systems..........................1099 Montana Dakota Utilities Company........................31 Pacific Sound & Video..................................... 6A-7A TS Security.......................................................1012 Sewer Reline H.A. Thompsons & Sons........................................83 Sewing Machines J&R Vacuum & Sewing Inc................... 1033 & 1043 Siding ABC Seamless, Inc.................................. 1004-1009 Award Roofing & Construction.................... 207-208 Leingang Home Center........63-66 & 76-78 & 88-90 Precision Siding & Construction..........................210 Regal Home Solutions............................. 1205-1206 Ressler Siding & Window...........129-130 & 141-142 Western Products......................175-176 & 187-188 Yanish Custom Exteriors....................25-26 & 37-38 Your Home Improvement Company......... 1103-1104 Sky Lights Norther Sky Lights................................................45 Spas/Pools Associated Pool Builders, Inc....................... 123-124 Hot Spring Spas & Pool Tables 2............. 1203-1204 Keller Hearth ‘n Home Products..... 106-108 & 118-120 Staining - Trim Creative Wood Designs................................... 51-52 Structured Insulated Panels Extreme Panel Tech Inc.....................................1071 Sunrooms A+ Sunroom Deck & Awning................... 1002-1003 Sparling Construction, Inc..................28-30 & 41-42 Telescoping Summit Flag & Pole, LLC.....................................146 Tools Lee UnLimited............................................ 802-803 Lowe’s Home Improvement.................................159 Trusses Advanced Truss Fabricators................................221 Truss Systems, Inc..............................................153 Vacations Summerwinds Resort Services, LLC........ 1125-1127 Vacuums J&R Vacuum & Sewing Inc................... 1033 & 1043 Northern-Air Rainbow Vacuum..........................1069 Wall Systems Dakota Wall Systems............................................68

Extreme Panel Tech Inc.....................................1071 Water Systems Dakota Filtration Solutions..................................154 Earth Energy & Water Systems..........................1035 FM Water Systems/Kineticc..............................1216 Welding Supplies Prairie Supply Company.............................. 158-159 Window Coverings Superior Window Coverings................................145 The Blind Guy of North Dakota................ 1045-1046 The Window Source of Bismarck.........................305 Windows ABC Seamless, Inc.................................. 1004-1009 Allied Building Products................. 1212, 1221-122 Bristol Windows..................................................150 Builders Supply Co.....................169-172 & 181-184 D & M Industries, Inc.............................................92 Fargo Glass & Paint Co.......1053-1057 & 1063-1067 Fettig Millwork & Windows................................1050 Front Street Millwork & Lumber, Inc.....131-132 & 143-144 Heartland Pella Windows & Doors.... 127-128 & 139-140 Leingang Home Center........63-66 & 76-78 & 88-90 Northern Sky Lights..............................................45 Precision Siding & Construction..........................210 ProBuild.............................................49-50 & 61-62 Regal Home Solutions.......................................1206 Ressler Siding & Window...........129-130 & 141-142 The Window & Door Store.............................. 6 & 18 Western Products......................175-176 & 187-188 Yanish Custom Exteriors....................25-26 & 37-38 Your Home Improvement Company......... 1103-1104

2014 HBA Home Show Convenient Pull-Out Section BOOTH LISTINGS BY exhibitor A-1 Sunrooms........................................ 1002-1003 A Spice Above.....................................................10A A-1 Heating & Air................................................149 ABC Seamless........................................ 1004-1009 ACME Tools................................................. 193-195 Advanced Truss Fabricators................................221 All Seasons Landscape................................. 98-100 Allied Building Products................ 1212, 1221-1222 Amazing Life Products......................................1052 American Bank Center........................................133 American Steel Systems.......................................27 Anyleaks Inc........................................ 1039 & 1049 Apple Creek Developers....................................1220 Associated Pool Builders, Inc...................... 123-124 Automated Awnings............................................17A Award Roofing & Construction.................... 207-208 B.L.A.K. Jacket (Dakota Caulking Inc).............. 74-75 Bath & Kitchen Consulting-Div or Northern Plains....197 BEK Communications.............................. 1119-1120 Better Roofing & Contracting, LLC.......................105 Bianco Realty........................................................36 Big Sky Insulation...................................................8 Bismarck Landscaping..........................................21 Bismarck Lawn Sprinkling & Landscaping..........303 Bismarck Patio Designs......................................205 Blue Ox Timber Frames.......................................151 BNC National Bank...............................................22 Bobcat of Mandan....................................... 79 & 91 Boulder Homes...................................................163 Brendels Lawn Sprinkling...................................102 Bristol Windows..................................................150 Builders Supply Co....................... 169-172, 181-184 Building Block Forms, Inc....................................219 Burning Desires, Inc................................ 1013-1015 Capital Credit Union........................................ 16-17 Capital Electric Cooperative........................ 173-174 Carpet Direct......................................................162 Carpet World................................................... 59-60 CD Communications, Inc.......................................94 Cedar River Cabinetry, LLC..................................805 Central City Remodelers......................... 1059-1060 Century 21 Morrison Realty..................................48 City Air Mechanical, Inc.........................................58 City of Bismarck Public Works (Recycling).... 1081-1082 Coatings Unlimited..............................................304 Coldspring..........................................................804 Concrete Mudjacking Services..............................15 Cook’s Warehouse, Inc......................................1121 Creative Wood Designs................................... 51-52 CS Doors Inc................................................... 53-54 Cutco Cutlery........................................................32 Cutting Edge Custom Etching & Sand Carving LLC.... 13A D&M Industries............................................... 92-93 Dakota Community Bank & Trust...........................70 Dakota Fence.............................................. 167-168 Dakota Filtration Solutions..................................154 Dakota Foam Inc...................................................95 Dakota Impressions Landscaping & Design, LLC.....7 Dakota Wall Systems............................................68

Diamond Hardwood Flooring LLC..........................35 Discover Health Chiropractic...............................111 Diversity Homes.......................................... 213-214 Earth Energy & Water Systems..........................1035 Eco Chic Boutique...............................................191 Electro Watchman, Inc..........................................69 Elegant Edgine, LLC............................................164 Exquisite Lifestyles, LLC.......................... 1203-1204 Extreme Panel Tech., Inc...................................1071 Fabricators Unlimited.................................. 135-136 Fargo Glass & Paint Co......... 1053-1057, 1063-1067 Fettig Millwork and Windows............................1050 Fleck’s Furniture & Appliances............................212 FM Water Systems/Kinetics...............................1216 Front Street Millwork & Lumber Inc.. 131-132, 143-144 G&J Awning and Canvas, Inc........................... 86-87 Garage Logic, Inc.........................................104,116 Gate City Bank......................................................82 Geothermal Hudronic Drilling, Inc..........................85 Gossett Chiropract Arts.....................................1036 Great Plains Security Systems, Inc....................1099 Greenlight Systems..................................... 177-179 Gutter Topper of ND........................................ 43-44 H.A. Thompson & Sons.........................................83 Haider Glass............................................... 165-166 HalfToned Apparel.............................................1210 Harter’s Landscaping..........................................223 HealthSource Chiropractic & Progressive Rehab....56 Heartland Pella............................ 127-128, 139-140 HeatMyFloors.com................................................14 Hebron Brick & Block........................... 11-12, 23-24 Heim Granite............................................ 180 & 192 Hidden Fence of Bismarck..................................211 Homark Homes, Inc...........................................1114 Hopfauf Custom Builders............................ 113-114 Hot Spring Spas & Pool Tables 2............. 1203-1204 House of Color, Inc................................................55 Huntwood.........................................................1034 I. Keating Furniture World..................................106A Imperial Flooring.................................................112 Innovative Basement Systems................ 1073-1075 J & R Vacuum &Sewing.......................... 1033-1043 J & S Home Builders.........................................1044 Jack Chivers Realty..........................................1083 Jacobsen Music................................................1051 Javita Weight-loss Coffee..................................1085 Keller Hardwood Floors, Inc.....................................9 Keller Hearth’n Home................... 106-108, 118-120 Kirkwood Bank.................................................1040 Kupper Chevrolet..............................................1121 LB Homes.........................................................1118 Lee UnLimited............................................ 802-803 Leingang Home Center.......... 63-66, 76-78 & 88-90 Leisure Palace........................................ 1110-1111 Lexar Homes.......................................... 1213-1214 Lindal Cedar Homes............................................206 Luxury Baths & Beyond........................... 1115-1117 M&E Sales........................................................1072 Magi-Touch Carpet One.......................... 1074-1042

Martins Decorative Stones..................................157 Mastels Country Estate Fencing..........................15A Matrix Design.....................................................134 Midwest Doors Inc.......................................103,115 Mitzel Homes.............................................. 155-156 Modular Dimensions Construction Services USA, Inc....222 Montana-Dakota Utilities.......................................31 Myhre Concrete Design, LLC.................................47 ND Dept of Health...............................................18A ND Life Spa......................................................1089 Nodak Construction..............................................96 North Dakota Living - Capital Electric..................185 Northern Air......................................................1069 Northern Plains Equipment............... 147-148 & 160 Northern Plains Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.....19 Northern Plains Plumbing & Heating...................196 Northern Sky Lights..............................................45 Northland Financial.............................................125 Oceans Paradise...................................................57 Odden Construction, LLC.......................................46 One Source Lighting................................... 137-138 Pacific Sound and Video............................... 6A & 7A Paramount Builders, Inc.......................... 1130-1131 Pathways Chiropractic & Wellness....................1215 Patriot Homes...................................................1219 Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling...............1084 Pearson Home Builders, Inc................................216 Plains Commerce Bank........................... 1079-1080 Plant Perfect.........................................................33 Powder House Pass............................................110 Prairie Outpost Log Home, Inc.............................152 Prairie Supply Inc........................................ 158-159 Precision Concrete Cutters...................... 1122-1124 Precision Pavers......................................... 308-310 Precision Siding & Construction..........................210 Premier Audio.....................................................121 Prestige Home & Design.......................................13 Prime Property Inspections, LLC........................1129 Probuild.............................................49-50 & 62-62 Profile by Sanford.................................................28 Profoam Insulation..............................................126 Property Resources Group....................................72 RDO Equipment Company.............. 1093-1096,1106 Red Door Homes..................................... 1101-1102 Red River Glazing.................................... 1090-1092 Redford Signature Homes.....................................84

3 7 t h

Redi-Rock of North Dakota - Div of Weisz & Sons... 1061-1062 Regal Home Solutions............................. 1205-1206 Ressler Siding & Window............. 129-130, 141-142 Rocks and Blocks Landscaping & Contracting.... 80-81 Rodgers Hardwood Floors, Inc.............................161 Sam’s Club.......................................................1105 Sanford Air Med..................................................186 Schaff Construction..............................................20 Sculpture by Design.................................... 189-190 Snortum’s Landscape & Design............................39 Southern Distribution..........................................801 Sparling Construction.......................... 29-30, 41-42 Spray Foam Solutions, LLC.................................220 SSS Construction..................................................67 St Alexius Great Plains Rehab Services....... 217-218 Starion Financial...............................................1112 Stone Coat of North Dakota, LLC.......................1100 Stoneshire Builders of North Dakota LLC...........1070 Structural Materials, Inc.......................... 1010-1011 Summerwind Resort Svc’s...................... 1125-1127 Summit Flag & Pole............................................146 Sunco Sales.....................9, 710, 910, 111, 281, 100 Superior Window Coverings, Inc..........................145 Tastefully Simple................................................19A The Blind Guy of ND................................ 1045-1046 The Ranch - 4T Ranch Developers Inc................117 The Window & Door Store.............................. 6 & 18 The Window Source of Bismarck.........................305 Timber Ridge Plumbing, Heating, & Excavating....1113 Tobias Marman Construction.................................71 Tri Energy...........................................................122 Truss Systems Inc...............................................153 TS Security.......................................................1012 Ultimate Construction Inc of USA...........................34 Valley Borders...................................................1209 Vance Vetter Homes............................. 1076 & 1086 Venture Building Company................................1211 Versa-Lock...........................................................10 Water Furnace International................................215 Well Built Homes, Inc..........................................209 Western Products........................ 175-176, 187-188 Whispering Bay.....................................................73 Willow View Estates..............................................40 Yanish Custom Exteriors...................... 25-26, 37-38 Your Home Improvement Company......... 1103-1104

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Go-anywhere upgrades Some upgrades look laughable in the wrong room: plush carpeting in the bathroom or custom drapes in a kitchen. A handful of go-anywhere upgrades work especially well in kitchens and baths - and can raise those rooms from merely functional to inspiringly fashionable.

Of course, virtually any upgrade you make to a kitchen or bathroom will pay off in the long run. Those rooms continue to attract buyers to homes, and deliver high returns at the time of resale. A major kitchen remodel of $53,000plus yields nearly 69 percent return on investment, and a major bathroom remodel of more than $61,000 tops a 70 percent return, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.

The right upgrades, however, enhance both your home value and your enjoyment of two of the most important rooms in any house. If you’re looking for an upgrade that will work equally well in your kitchen or bath, consider these improvements:

requiring you to touch a clean faucet with dirty hands. In the bathroom, a luxurious showerhead can enhance your shower experience with a rainfall effect, music or even lights.

t Add a skylight. Few upgrades t Improve flooring. When you fit equally well in a bathroom or think about flooring for kitchens and kitchen, but a skylight affords unique baths, chances are you think of some benefits to either room. In baths, common materials such as vinyl or fresh air skylights admit natural tile. While carpeting or wood may be light and provide passive ventilaequally impractical in rooms where tion while providing more privacy moisture and spills are routine, more than windows. In kitchens, they can durable materials work well in both reduce the need for artificial lighting rooms. When choosing flooring for and help carry moist air and cookbaths and kitchens, remember the valing fumes out of the room. What’s ue of slip-resistant, moisture-proof, more, skylights can help enhance durable options. And if you find a a home’s overall energy efficiency. flooring style you love enough to put Energy Star-qualified solar powered Venting fresh air skylights, with décor enhancing and energy-efficient blinds, add in both rooms, you just might be able fresh air skylights reduce dependency style while providing natural light and passive ventilation. to find a volume discount! on artificial lighting and mechanical ventilation. Paired with remote-cont Add warmth. Kitchens and trolled solar powered blinds, the skylights become even more efficient, stylish, bathrooms cry out for a cozy atmosphere, but they can also be among the and affordable. coolest, draftiest rooms in the house. Consider ways to add warmth to both rooms. You have many options: skylights create warmth by bringing sunlight t Upgrade fixtures. From faucets to shower heads, the fixtures in kitchinto the room while they make it feel larger. Below-floor heating can make ens and baths are like jewelry that completes a fashionable ensemble. While bathroom floors barefoot-friendly. And for the ultimate touch of luxury, you can easily spend thousands on high-end products, you don’t have to in warmth and ambiance, consider adding a gas fireplace in your kitchen or order to achieve a high end look. For a modest investment, you can upgrade bath. Modern gas fireplaces can be installed virtually anywhere, even in rooms faucets, shower heads and other fixtures to improve usability and add a luxuthat have never had one before or that aren’t accessible for a chimney. rious look to a kitchen or bath. For example, in the kitchen touch-free faucets Courtesy of Brandpoint are both beautiful and practical, minimizing the spread of germs by never

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Planning a home improvement project?

How to hire a quality contractor Dreaming of home improvement projects in the New Year? You’re not alone - many homeowners are deciding what improvement project to tackle next. As the housing market continues to strengthen, homeowners buying or selling homes are focused on curb appeal or updating new spaces, which makes now a perfect time for remodeling. In fact, a majority of U.S. Homeowners (75.5 percent) are planning one or more home improvement

projects by early 2014, according to a recent HIRI Sentiment Tracking Study.

“Home improvement projects were on the rise in 2013 and I believe the numbers will continue to increase in 2014,” says Dennis Stemmle, president of ServiceLive, a free online home improvement service that connects people to quality contractors.

“Hiring an experienced contractor helps homeowners get the job done right the first time, giving them peace of mind and avoiding additional costs associated with mistakes.”

Stemmle says hiring a contractor can be nervewracking for homeowners, who have heard too many horror stories of contractors abandoning half-completed projects, doing inferior work, or grossly misjudging costs. To avoid contractor trouble and to find a reputable contractor who will save you time and money, Stemmle suggests you ask these six questions before you make a hiring decision:

1. What is your business history?

A contractor needs to have the proper licenses and permits, so be sure to verify the person entering your home is legally able to complete the project. Also ask how long the company has been in business and where it is located. If a company is inexperienced or located far away, you might find the service inadequate.

2. How much is this going to cost?

Get an itemized budget containing all costs associated with the project up front. You might eliminate the highest bid to save money, but don’t necessar-

ily go with the lowest one. If the estimate is too low, you may find the project was completed with shoddy workmanship or cheap materials.

3. Do you have references?

Always ask for references. Make phone calls and visit past projects that are similar to the one you are planning. This is a great way to learn if there have been any past issues with the contractor.

4. Who will be working at my house?

When it comes to hiring a professional for their project, 67 percent of homeowners surveyed by Houzz & Home rated a “personality I can work with” as being very important.-Many homeowners are surprised that the contractor they interviewed and hired isn’t the person actually doing the work.

Ask who will be working at the house and if jobs are subcontracted.

5. What is the timeline for completion?

A timeline is more than just a guideline; it should be a legal and binding agreement. Make sure the timeline has a specific start and end date, including checkpoints along the way.

6. How am I protected?

Warranties are a huge benefit of hiring a contractor over doing the work yourself. A one-year warranty is standard. Find out what guarantees and warranties the contractor offers before signing the agreement. Also, verify that the contractor is licensed and insured to work and get proof before starting a project.

Courtesy of Brandpoint

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Homeowners are increasingly extending their living spaces outside the walls of their homes. Expansive and intricate stonework patios and decked-out outdoor kitchens are the kind of additions many homeowners dream of. Those with unlimited budgets can enjoy just about any look they desire, but many homeowners may not have the money to go all the way with their outdoor living spaces. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to create budget-friendly spaces that are functional, fun and eye catching.

Decks and patios are popular gathering spots outside a home, and homeowners have numerous inexpensive options at their disposal when choosing patio materials. And those who can do their own labor when installing a patio can save a substantial amount of money. Instead of higher-priced composite or resin decks, homeowners can go with standard wood, which will need to be stained periodically. Scaling back the size of the deck means less materials to buy and less labor involved.

The cost of patio blocks depends on the material and style. Poured concrete patios will cost less than placed blocks or stones because concrete is less labor-intensive. For those who desire the look of patio blocks without the cost, stamped concrete can mimic the look for less.

Homeowners may not need to replace patio furniture, even if chairs and tables have seen better days. A can of spray paint can cover up any rusted areas or spots where paint has peeled off due to exposure to the elements. Updating cushions and purchasing a coordinating umbrella can revitalize the patio’s entire look. Also, very often stores run sales to clear out merchandise for new displays.

Defining edges of planting borders and refreshing the landscape may be all that is needed to improve the yard. This is easily achieved with inexpensive mulch and some vinyl edging. While cleaning up the yard, use a pressure washer to clean stains off of siding and patios and create a like-new appearance.

End-of-season sales can also be the ideal opportunity to purchase big-ticket items like a pool, a hot tub or an outdoor fireplace/fire pit. Shoppers can learn when stores discount their merchandise to make room for new inventory and then use these sales as opportunities to save.

Sometimes saving means repurposing antiques or items found at garage sales. A person can search for backyard items they need at a deep discount if they are fine with previously used materials. From patio furniture to masonry blocks to above-ground pools, patient homeowners can find just about any item they may need to upgrade their backyards.

Though not all homeowners can afford to create the backyard of their dreams, with a little ingenuity and some sweat hard work, homeowners can still create an outdoor oasis.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

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Home projects perfect for The rejuvenating spirit of spring makes this beloved season an ideal time for homeowners to take stock of their homes and properties and address any issues that arose during the winter. While some projects are best left to the professionals, others can be tackled even by those homeowners with little or no DIY experience. The following are a handful of projects tailor-made for spring.

Inspect the gutters Gutters tend to bear the brunt of harsh winter weather, and come spring gutters are in need of inspection if not repair. Winter winds, snow and heavy rainfall can compromise the effectiveness of gutters, which can easily accumulate debris and detach from homes during winter storms. In addition, gutters sometimes develop leaks over the winter months. As a result, homeowners should conduct a careful inspection of their gutters come the spring, being sure to look for leaks while clearing the gutters of debris and reattaching gutters that might have become detached from the home on windy winter days and nights. When reattaching loose gutters, make sure the downspouts are draining away from the foundation, as gutters that are not drain-

ing properly can cause damage to that foundation and possibly lead to flooding.

Take stock of roof shingles Much like its gutters and downspouts, a home’s roof can suffer significant damage over the course of a typical winter. Shingles may be lost to harsh winter winds and storms, so homeowners should examine the roof to determine if any shingles were lost (lost shingles might even be lying around the property) or suffered damage that’s considerable enough to require replacement. Summer can be especially brutal on shingles, especially those that suffered significant damage during the winter. If left unchecked or unaddressed, problems with damaged shingles can quickly escalate into larger issues when spring rains and summer sun inevitably arrive, so homeowners should prioritize fixing or replacing damaged shingles as quickly as possible.

Check for freeze damage Frozen temperatures can be hard on humans and homes alike, but unlike humans who can stay inside when temperatures dip below freezing, homes are forced to withstand the elements throughout the

winter. External hose faucets are often susceptible to freeze damage. To inspect such faucets, turn the water on and then place a thumb or finger over the opening of the faucet. If your thumb or finger can completely stop the flow of water, the pipe where the water is coming from is likely damaged and will need to be replaced.

Examine the lawn for low spots Once a lawn has thawed out, homeowners can patrol their properties looking for low spots in the yard or even low spots within spitting distance of the home’s foundation. Such spots increase the likelihood of flooding. Flooding near a home’s foundation increases the risk of potentially costly damage, while low spots on the lawn that go ignored can make great breeding grounds for insects, including mosquitoes, when the weather warms up. When low spots are detected, fill them in with compacted soil. Compacted soil can prevent spring rains from flooding a yard or damaging a home’s foundation.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

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Top 2014 home improvement trends:

smart homes & home automation

From smartphones to smart cars, technology is transforming virtually every aspect of our busy lives. Technologies not only make life easier while on the go, but new options are quickly simplifying life at home as well. Home automation is proving to be a top home improvement trend, making the Jetsons’ futuristic lifestyle more realistic than ever before.

Some experts are predicting 2014 will be the year of the smart home, but what does that mean to the average homeowner? The term smart home refers to a house with technology and automated features for things like heating, lighting and electronic devices. Automation is becoming the new norm in three main areas of the home.

1. Energy management and environmental impact A home’s heating, cooling and electrical systems can be enhanced through home automation technologies. Boosting comfort levels, these technologies make it easier than ever to monitor energy and water usage, helping to reduce a family’s environmental footprint as well as their energy bill.

Imagine turning your lights on remotely or adjusting the heat so your home is toasty warm by the time you return from work. Home management systems let you access and adjust comfort controls from your smartphone, tablet or comWith the latest smart home solutions, you can check in on your beloved pets while on the go and even provide the dog walker access to your home with just the touch of a button.

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ture quickly for food safety purposes.

puter. Monitor and control lights or the thermostat from anywhere with Internet access, making it easy to save energy while away. You can even add water leak detectors to plumbing spaces within the home and receive an alert if the sensor comes in contact with water, helping you to react faster to reduce property damage and water waste.

3. Safety and security of a property

2. Streamlining the kitchen and cooking processes The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it’s no surprise that this area is getting a makeover thanks to technology enhancements. From basic motion-sensing faucets that eliminate the need for touching them with messy hands when cooking to appliances that think for you, the kitchen is a key component of a smart home.

For example, today’s dishwashers clean faster and more efficiently than ever, thanks to technology that assesses soil levels and adjusts cleaning intensities. Ovens now come with sensors that evenly heat dishes, eliminating the need to rotate pans or use baking stones. Refrigerators even come with options that allow you to rapidly cool or freeze foods when they need to be brought down to a lower tempera-

Security systems have never been more interactive, and new options are surprisingly affordable for homeowners looking to take the first step toward upgrading to a smart home.

Inexpensive options are available that include motion sensors, keypad and door, window and cabinet sensors.

How does this system help your home to think smarter and be more secure? After installation, you will receive an email, text or call when an alarm sounds at home, allowing you to check in or alert authorities. Working parents find comfort in getting an alert when children arrive home from school or a package is delivered to the home. You can even opt to have alerts contain video of the designated alarm event, such as a door or cabinet opening.

As home automation looks to take off in 2014, it’s time to take control, manage your home and simplify your life. From saving money to conserving resources to keeping loved ones safe, a smart home is quickly becoming the home of the future.

Courtesy of Brandpoint

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Smelly fireplace?

After a long season of use, fireplaces need to be cleaned.

Many homeowners think this is a job that can be put off until the fall, but spring is an ideal season to have the chimney and flue cleaned and inspected. One reason to include scrubbing the chimney as part of spring cleaning is to cut down on odor. After using a fireplace, a buildup of creosote forms in the chimney. As the weather gets warmer, creosote deposits can start to smell sour and that odor will seep into the home.

In addition, moisture can mix with the creosote and start to degrade the flue liner, necessitating costly repairs. The sooner a chimney and flue are cleaned the better. A chimney sweep can do a thorough job of scrubbing down the chimney and fireplace and ensuring that everything will be in working order come next season.

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Use your outdoor spaces to the fullest by adding a few enhancements.

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Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, it’s easy to add features like a seat wall and a fire ring for an outdoor gathering spot, or an outdoor kitchen. A few simple improvements can help you create a space that keeps you outside longer into the night, earlier in the spring and later into the cooler seasons.

1. Add a fire feature. An outdoor fireplace, fire table, fire pit or chiminea will enhance any outdoor space. A 2013 membership survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects found that 97 percent of respondents saw moderate to high demand for fire pits and fireplaces.

2. Create a convenient outdoor cooking space. A dedicated space for the grill close to a door lets you barbecue in any season. A complete outdoor kitchen is even better.

3. Add retaining and seat walls. A variety of outdoor hardscape

features can be created including stairs, retaining walls, freestanding walls, couches, tiered walls, planters, columns, multi-angled corners and curves.

4. Add lighting. A variety of lighting options for outdoor spaces exist,

and it’s a good idea to include lighting design for safety and aesthetics in your landscaping plans. Low-voltage LED uplights along walls and structures and downlights along pathways and walkways are popular. Even a simple string of lights around a patio or deck railing adds a warm ambience to evenings and cool nights.

5. Install a paving stone patio. Interlocking concrete paving stones fit any outdoor landscape style, from classic to contemporary. Pavers are easy to install, come in many styles and colors and require little to no maintenance.

6. Select year-round outdoor furniture. Look for outdoor furniture that’s durable and doesn’t need storage or annual maintenance other than cleaning.

7. Shelter’s not just for shade. Take shelter from the elements with a

variety of pergolas, awnings and other coverings for patios and decks that not only provide shade but also help protect from wind and inclement weather.

8. Turn on the heat. A variety of portable outdoor gas or electric patio heaters and lamps adds warmth and light to outdoor spaces. Freestanding heaters, lamps and tabletop fire bowls and pots are very popular.

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That works for the kitchen When designing a kitchen, homeowners typically give substantial consideration to many elements of their dream design, including cabinet and countertop materials and which brand of appliances they most prefer.

But few may consider the lighting for the room as thoroughly.

Lighting is an important consideration in any room, but most especially in the kitchen, where people tend to gravitate and spend a good portion of their time. The right lighting can have a dramatic effect on the functionality of the kitchen, including how the space feels when you enter it.

The right blend of lights can create a vibrant mood in the kitchen, while light can be adjusted according to what needs to get done in the space.

Establishing a lighting plan in a kitchen requires a combination of different lights. The main focus should be on three distinct lighting types: task lighting, ambient lighting and accent lighting.

Task Lighting Task light is beneficial anywhere a person will need to perform tasks that require close concentration, such as chopping vegetables. Task lighting

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shines direct light onto a surface, illuminating it thoroughly, and it can be turned off when it is not needed.

Task lighting is generally placed above counters and islands where one will be slicing vegetables and preparing food. There may be lighting over the sink to illuminate dirty dishes. If a kitchen has a desk area, lighting above the desk will make that area more functional. Many task lighting designs include lights under cabinetry to shine down onto counters and eliminate shadowed recesses. Under-cabinet lighting is a relatively inexpensive add-on for existing kitchens. Homeowners can add lighting afterward to focus more light onto countertops.

Ambient Lighting Ambient lighting is another name for all-over lighting that fills a room.

During the day, ambient light may stream in from windows and skylights. However, at night, ambient lighting is created by different light fixtures in a room. In the kitchen, overhead fixtures are a popular choice for ambient lighting. A blend of hanging pendant lamps, chandeliers and recessed lighting can create the amount of light needed. Homeowners should pay special attention to the bulbs and fixtures they choose, as not all produce the same amount of light. Those concerned about energy Continued on next page

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efficiency also must give mind to whether the bulbs will use a lot of energy or last a long time. Compact fluorescent bulbs as well as LED lighting are long-lasting and do not use as much energy as incandescent bulbs.

Indirect ambient lighting softens shadows in a room, creating a warm, inviting glow.

It is an important layer of light that is often overlooked in the kitchen. Setting ambient lighting on a dimmer enables homeowners to cast a mood that is desired when the kitchen isn’t being used for prep work.

Accent Lighting If there are key elements around the kitchen that a person would like to highlight, such as a china set, accent lighting can do the trick. Spotlights can be used to show off collectibles, while a subtle strip of lighting can illuminate a wall of artwork.

Many people like to install accent lighting inside of cabinetry to create dramatic focal points.

Some homeowners may want to incorporate decorative lighting in their kitchens.

This is the use of ornate chandeliers, hanging pendants and other eye-catching fixtures. Decorative lighting should be considered in proportion to the size of the kitchen. Therefore, smaller kitchens will have smaller fixtures and vice versa. Decorative lighting may be the most expensive type of kitchen lighting, so some homeowners prefer to plan ahead for the inclusion of decorative accents by having the wiring ready and then adding the fixtures over time.

Lighting in a kitchen can be just as important as which appliances and other accessories homeowners choose for their kitchens. Without the right mix of lighting, the kitchen may not be functional or inviting.

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How to

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increase storage in tight spaces Cozy, quaint homes attract many home buyers and renters. Be it a cottage-style house or a studio apartment, smaller living spaces often involve getting creative with storage.

People live in a smaller homes for a variety of reasons. Some choose to live in a smaller home so they can be right in the thicks of things in a city or urban center. Others scale back on living space in an effort to save money. But storage space in small quarters is often at a premium, and thinking creatively is a necessity to keep the home tidy and items out of view.

Rainy or chilly days are the perfect times to tackle indoor organization projects. When the outdoors isn’t beckoning, you can devote all of your attention to addressing storage issues in your home. To begin, take inventory of what Continued on next page

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you have, going through your possessions and determining what can stay and what can go. Part with anything you haven’t used in quite some time.

The next step is to sort items and get organized. Then you can find a place for everything. For example, if you have a dozen bath towels but only one sauce pot, you will need to find more room for linens than kitchen cookware.

You may need to borrow space from one area of the home to give to another area. The following are some additional tips to increase space in an otherwise cramped home. t Add shelves. Increase cabinet and closet space by adding shelves into them. This may double or even triple the amount of usable space, especially if you customize the shelving to fit storage containers you use to store everything from shoes to craft items. t Opt for dual-purpose furniture. Benches with lids that lift up and sofas that convert into guest beds are just a few of the many ways you can keep a small home neat and increase storage space. An ottoman is a great place to store extra blankets and linens, while a trunk or crate with a sturdy top can be used in lieu of a traditional coffee table to keep books or board games. t Think vertically. When floor space is at a premium, you may need to look up for storage. Frequently used pots and pans can be hung from a decorative rack in your kitchen. Use magnets on jars to store a spice rack on the wall near the stove. Racks above cabinets or on doors can be used to store everything from shoes to jewelry to toiletries. Shelving in children’s rooms can store lesser used toys away from the floor. Empty walls are valuable real estate in a small home, and tall bookshelves can house a number of different things. t Take advantage of oddly shaped crevices. If you have space

under a staircase or a spot by a dormer or in an attic eave, use the space to store items. You may need to get creative, such as adding a door and small closet into the staircase, but such spaces make practical storage areas and add character to a home. t Use see-through storage containers. Many people find that plastic storage bins are neater and more stackable than boxes. See-through bins enable you to quickly find items so that you are not searching around the house for lost items and creating a bigger mess along the way. Clear storage containers work in the refrigerator, too. You can more easily spot leftovers, and uniform stacking containers free up more room for bulkier items. t Make use of space beneath your bed. There likely is ample room to store more things than just dust bunnies beneath your bed. A bed frame with built-in drawers is the perfect place to keep bed linens and out-of-season clothes. Beds can be raised on blocks to create more space underneath for storing rolling plastic containers and even seldom-used suitcases. t Opt for an armoire. Armoires are not exclusive to bedrooms. Armoires can be used in dining spaces or in dens to store items out of sight. An armoire can be used when retrofitted with a pull-out shelf as a laptop desk, storing all office items behind closed doors when not needed. t Improve storage in the bathroom. Try to choose a vanity that has under-the-sink storage so you will have a place to store some toiletries. Home improvement centers sell cabinets and etageres that can be placed above the toilet tank as a storage space for bathroom items. In the shower, hang a second tension-loaded shower curtain rod on the inside of the shower enclosure that can be used to hold bags of kids bath toys and other toiletries, keeping them off the tub ledges.

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Cost-effective fencing options Fencing serves many purposes. Some homeowners erect a fence for privacy, while others do so to contain pets and children. Because fencing can be expensive, some homeowners look for ways to cut costs, which can be relatively easy, especially for those homeowners willing to consider various materials when erecting their fence.

Traditional fences are available in materials ranging from wood to vinyl to metal. Homeowners have other options at their disposal if they prefer a more natural fence. Different shrubs, trees or grasses can be planted to create a barrier between properties or within the property.

When choosing a fencing material, consider that even a less expensive material may prove more expensive in the long run if it needs significant maintenance or has to be replaced in just a few years. Therefore, the most cost-effective fencing material may not necessarily be the least expensive one at the store. Here are some materials homeowners can consider. t Found material: Repurposed wood or metal can be crafted into a rustic, one-of-a-kind fence.

Materials can be found that are no cost, requiring only the cost of labor. Should you build it yourself,

this can be next to nothing. Sometimes existing fences on another property can be disassembled and re-built on your own property for little to no cost as well. t Chainlink/chainwire: Chainlink fencing is one of the most economical types of boundary fencing. The fencing comes in a variety of diamond sizes and is fixed to galvanized pipes spaced across the perimeter of the property. Although it is some of the least expensive fencing, it does not offer much privacy on its own. But if you are looking at fencing simply as a barrier, chainlink could be the way to go. t Picket fencing: A wooden picket fence is another inexpensive fencing material. The pickets can be purchased in various heights, and this fence may be used as garden border fencing or to mark a property line between homes. Spacing the pickets widely apart may cut down on the number that need to be purchased, further keeping the cost down. t Bamboo: Bamboo is a rapidly growing grass that produces a hard wood-like material that is used in many building applications. Bamboo wood can be used to build a fence, but the natural

plant also can be planted to form a living fence for privacy. t Stockade fencing: A stockade fence is one of the more basic wood fencing options. Wooden slats are placed alongside one another to form an effective and affordable privacy fence. Stockade fencing can be stained or painted to preserve it.

Many home improvement retailers sell panels of stockade fencing so that you can make fence installation a do-it-yourself project. t Vinyl fencing: Although vinyl fencing is one of the more expensive fencing materials at the outset (it costs about twice the price of a wood fence), it does pay for itself rather quickly thanks to minimal maintenance. Unlike some other materials, vinyl will not rot or discolor. You also won’t have to purchase stain, paint and expensive cleaners for a vinyl fence. That means once you make the investment, you will have years upon years of maintenance-free enjoyment.

There are many different fencing materials that can coordinate with a variety of budgets.

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Equip your home

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With a sump pump and backup battery According to the National Flood Insurance Program, a mere six inches of water in a 2,000 square foot home can cause around $40,000 in damage.

Homeowners looking to avoid such damages can rely on sump pumps and backup emergency systems to keep sublevels dry and safe.

Sump pumps are frequently used in homes at risk of flooding or in homes where the water table is above the foundation of the home. Sump pumps remove water that has accumulated in a water collecting sump basin built into the foundation of the home. Water may enter through perimeter drains (French drains) built into the basement or directly through the sump basin itself. The pump will send the water away from the house through a series of pipes that could drain into a dry well, into a municipal storm drain or at the curb.

Many sump pumps are hard-wired into a home’s electrical system and will automatically turn on when the water level in the sump basin has risen enough to trigger the pump. A flotation device built into the pump will rise enough to turn on the

pump, which will then dispel the water until the device returns to its regular level.

When operating correctly, sump pumps are effective at removing water and keeping basements and crawl spaces dry. However, in the event of a power outage, which is common when strong winds accompany flooding rains, a sump pump is rendered useless unless there is a backup battery attached to the sump pump.

Having a battery hooked up to a sump pump, or a backup sump pump that is battery-powered, can give homeowners peace of mind in any storm. A backup plan ensures the pump will still be able to remove water for a certain period of time until electricity is restored to the home. Another option is to make sure the sump pump is connected to a power generator should the main power supply go out. As long as the generator is running, the sump pump will expel the water.

Water damage to a home can cost thousands of dollars in repairs, particularly when it is not cov-

Homeowners who live in areas prone to flooding can protect their homes with sump pumps.

ered by standard home insurance policies. Sump pumps can help keep homes dry and safe.

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your home in the new year Making a New Year’s resolution is common, and many people set goals for ways to improve themselves. If you have set a goal to lose weight, learn a new skill or get promoted, congratulations. But while you are striving to attain your personal goal, have you ever thought of setting a goal to refresh your home in a way that will have your friends talking?

Setting a home improvement goal is more common than you may think and you can make a dramatic improvement to your home with a complete remodel. You can take on several smaller projects - any time of the year - that will leave you loving your home all year long. Here are a few ideas to get you going. t A fresh coat of paint. Nothing reinvents a room like a fresh coat of paint. Yet many people put off painting a room because they can’t afford professional painters and they don’t have time to do the job themselves. But you can achieve that professional quality finish at a fraction of the time and cost by visiting RentalHQ.com and renting your own paint sprayer. Use your sprayer to add a neutral color, which provides visual appeal and works with most furniture patterns, leaving you plenty of decorating options. t Change hardware. Faucets and cabinet hardware can quickly date a room. Replacing hardware can add beauty to your kitchen without adding a lot of extra cost. Be sure to find knobs and pulls that are the same size as the existing ones so you don’t have to re-drill the cabinets. Do this for any furniture and in any room for an instant decor face-lift. t Replace old tile. Outdated tile can make a bathroom look old and dull. Replacing it with new tile that is in style will give the space a rich, modern look. Tiling is a DIY project that anyone can tackle with the right tools. Rent the necessary items like a tile stripper, a tile saw and a mortar mixer to keep your costs down. t Update curtains and blinds. Textiles play a major role in the overall decorating scheme of a room. New window treatments offer an inexpensive way to introduce bold color and patterns for an instant refresh. Pair your new curtains with decorative throw pillows for a striking impact to the living room. t Recreate your flooring. If your carpet doesn’t need to be replaced but it could use a little refreshing, cleaning your carpets will do the trick. If you can’t afford to hire professional carpet cleaners or you feel like taking on the project yourself, renting a carpet cleaner can give your carpets the professional look you’ve been dreaming of. And if you have hardwood floors that need to be refurbished, renting a floor sander is an excellent first step for this project.

Home improvement projects do not have to include a complete overhaul to provide a new look. These smaller projects will dramatically improve your home all year long.

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Tis the season for making changes in and around the home. The arrival of warmer weather renews homeowners’ vigor for various home improvement projects, and many have grand plans for interior and exterior renovations as they prep their living spaces for comfort, beauty and entertaining opportunities.

While there are many worthy projects to pursue, adding outdoor lighting to a home can help increase its value and make the home safer and more attractive in the evening hours.

According to the American Lighting Association, with a few updates to outside lighting, families can make even better use of their homes at night. Adding outdoor lighting is easier and less expensive than many homeowners may know, allowing them to transform an existing patio, deck or pool area into an enjoyable nighttime retreat. Pool parties, dinners on the patio or barbecues with neighbors become even more memorable when outdoor lighting is added or improved. But homeowners who want to install or upgrade their outdoor lighting should consider the following tips, courtesy of ALA.

t Improve navigation. Lighting is typi-

cally layered into a room or outdoor space in three ways: overhead, task and ambient. Even outdoors, where there are no typical boundaries and borders,

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those three layers are necessary. Outdoor overhead lighting should improve visibility on steps, paths and walking surfaces, especially where there’s a bend or an intersection. Task lighting can be used around cooking or gardening areas. Ambient light will cast a comforting glow around any outdoor space.

t Enhance security. To improve visibil-

ity and security, combine a motion detector with a sconce to illuminate dark corners or entryways. Be sure to aim lights away from the door to improve visibility. Lanterns on either side of the door can give a home a warm, welcoming appearance and improve the safety of entryways.

t Create outdoor rooms. Outdoor light-

ing at the borders of a space is a great way to create barriers, both vertically and horizontally. Lights in a tree create something akin to a chandelier hung in the middle of the sky, and even accent lights in the general area of the edge of a patio, deck or porch will shine across the space and provide enough of a comfort level for people to understand where things are.

t Reduce glare. Outdoor lighting that casts

a glare can be blinding, as can light that’s too bright.

Lighting along paths should be cast downward, with fixtures that are hooded. A variety of lighting options

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will create layers, allowing you to add or subtract as necessary. Exterior-safe dimmers also can provide flexible control over the level of light, as can movable fixtures added to a patio or porch.

t Add decorative elements. Just as

arbors, pergolas, patios and other outdoor elements help to enhance the style of an outdoor space, so, too, can lighting contribute to a well-designed landscape.

Lighting should play up decorative features of a yard and add the ambience that homeowners desire.

Step lights make passage safe while also highlighting molding or trim details. An outdoor chandelier can make for a wonderful accent during dinnertime on the deck or under a pergola. Patio lights provide atmosphere as well as illumination for cooking outside.

t Enhance views from inside. Outdoor

lighting can make the view from inside pleasant and enjoyable. Use a variety of lights, including spotlights on trees, lights dotted along pathways and accent lights on unique landscape features, to create an idyllic landscape visible from inside the home.

Outdoor lighting enhances functionality of yards and landscapes while making such areas safer for homeowners and their guests once the sun has gone down.

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Transforming the ‘Old’ into a better ‘New’ Turn old or discarded furniture, cabinets and doors into fresh new creations through “upcycling” — high-end “recycling” that reduces trash at landfills by refurbishing or repurposing existing pieces, often enhancing the value. Woodcraft offers the following ideas and products to get you started.

Upcycling Projects t Family furniture: Save chairs, tables, and other furniture passed down through the generations by doing repairs, if needed, and staining/painting to suit your current decor. t Other furniture or “yard sale finds”: These also can be stabilized and given a new look through stain/paint or distressing, but some may also lend themselves to transformation for other uses, such as turn-

ing a chest of drawers into bookshelves, a chair into a swing, a dresser into a seat, and more. t Doors and more: Solid wood doors make great tops for tables and kitchen islands, old-fashioned screen doors hung from the ceiling can store pots and pans, and old windows make attractive wall hangings used “as is” or with additions, such as photos. t Cabinets: Change the look of your kitchen, bathroom or workshop with a new color for your cabinets and new handles and pulls.

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Six hot home Does the change of seasons have you itching to refresh a tired, lackluster room? Or maybe you’re looking for some small ways to make a big impact on your home’s style? Whatever the case, here are some of this season’s most buzzed-about trends and how you can incorporate them into your next project. t Wood is the new neutral. This season’s strong trend toward wood textures pairs the warmth, richness and texture of real wood with limitless design flexibility. Think wood-textured textiles, tree-printed wallpapers and embossed soaps that look like wood. Installing engineered wood ceilings and wainscoting can bring the unique look of reclaimed wood into any environment - an easy do-it-yourself project with striking results.

t Ode to the elements. Mother Nature is inspiring design in a big

way this year and homeowners are finding unique ways to incorporate rocks, minerals and other natural elements into their home’s design. Try replacing a common-place item like an alarm clock with one encased within a multicolored agate. Bring this look to the kitchen with a stainless steel backsplash, or swap out run-of-the-mill hardware with mineral-inspired drawer pulls and knobs.

t Shore thing. Homeowners, inspired by the calm, care-free attitude

of coastal living are all about bringing the beach inside this season. Beachinspired design elements are popping up throughout the home. Weathered and white-washed wood ceilings are a subtle but stunning on-trend addition -

especially when finished with interior accents like decorative shells, drift wood furniture and marine-themed prints.

t Contrast in texture. Step aside Pantone, texture is spring’s hottest

new color. Homeowners are putting down their paintbrushes and adding interest with texture through high-gloss finishes, metallics, sequins and mirrors.

A textured tile wall brings visual and tactile interest, especially when paired with contrasting high-gloss lacquer or low-gloss matte accessories.

t Visual punch. Reawaken the senses this spring by incorporating a

striking visual element to the home. Multi-dimensional surface treatments in pearl, metallic and gold/silver combinations add panache as a coating used for hardwood, or can be applied to wallpaper, furniture or decorative accessories.

And don’t forget to look up - coffered ceilings bring a striking je ne sais quoi to any room.

t Manipulated metals. The versatility of manipulated metal makes it a great addition to any style home — from hand-crafted artisan to contemporary high gloss. Copper, pewter and nickel are getting in on the action and can be styled in a variety of ways, including hammered metal sink basins, tin-look ceiling tiles, antiqued copper light fixtures and brushed stainless steel cabinet hardware.

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Coffered ceilings are an easy way to add a visual element to the home.

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