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Thursday July 26, 2018
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Using a portable evaporative cooler, such as Portacool, can reduce temperatures in your outdoor and garage spaces to make it more comfortably cool on the hottest days.
Smart steps to beat the heat in favorite outdoor spaces (BPT)
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re summer’s sizzling temperatures causing you to retreat from your favorite outdoor spaces? Garages, patios, sheds, gardens and other outdoor areas should be enjoyed throughout the year. Unfortunately, heat and humidity can quickly make being outside intolerable during the dog days of summer. The good news is keeping outdoor spaces comfortable doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right tools and some thoughtful planning, you can stay cool and continue your favorite hobbies, no matter how high the temperatures rise. Whether it’s wrenching on a car, in the garage tackling a DIY project, tending to your patio container garden or simply kicking back on the deck, the following steps can help you stay cool and safe. Step 1: Shade Direct sun on decks and patios can make it nearly impossible to enjoy hot days. Strategically install shade features like umbrellas and awnings to add instant protection and ambiance. An alternative is vine-covered trellises that block sunlight and align well with the natural elements outdoors. For covered areas like garages and sheds, direct sunlight isn’t a concern, but those rays can raise the temperatures in those spaces fast. That’s why it’s important to take additional steps to cool the air within. Step 2: Portable cooling Fans alone simply circulate stagnant, hot air throughout outdoor living spaces. Instead consider an evaporative cooler. Available in a variety of sizes, Portacool portable evaporative coolers drop
temperatures through the naturally occurring process of evaporation using water and the surrounding air, without creating mist. Open backyard spaces, patios and garages can be more comfortably cool on the hottest days by rolling this cooler wherever it’s needed. Step 3: Insulation For covered spaces like garages and sheds, adding insulation can help regulate temperatures. Batt insulation is inexpensive and an easy weekend DIY project to install if drywall isn’t present. Add to walls and ceiling spaces where applicable and then cover with drywall. If you already have drywall, you can look into blown-in insulation options. By insulating these spaces, you’ll help keep sweltering heat out and cool air in for more enjoyable summer days. Step 4: Color Keep color in mind when evaluating outdoor spaces. Light colors reflect the sun and dark colors absorb it, causing temperatures to rise. For decks and patios, opt for rugs and furniture in light colors to stay cool and comfortable. For garages and sheds, consider the color of the exterior. If you find the afternoon sun beats mercilessly down upon it, consider painting the exterior a lighter shade of paint, and when it’s time to replace the roof, choose a new color in a lighter hue. Summer heat doesn’t have to force you indoors. Enjoy favorite outdoor spaces with these simple steps to stay cool and comfortable. For more information about evaporative coolers, visit www. portacool.com.
3 elements to create a dream bathroom sanctuary
(BPT)
2. Freestanding tubs
athrooms reign supreme, overtaking kitchens as the most popular remodeling project, according to a new survey by the National Association of Home Builders. In the study, remodelers reported on the most common projects in 2017 and 81 percent performed bathroom remodeling.
When you select the right tub for your new bathroom, you’re giving yourself a way to unwind every day, as well as provide a stunning focal point to anchor the space. Deep soak freestanding tubs are a top trend for the ultimate in bathing relaxation. Immersing yourself in the warm water of a soaking tub can help ease muscle tension, making you feel like you’re at the spa while bathing in the comfort of your own home.
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Whether you’re hiring the project out or taking the DIY route, fashioning the bathroom of your dreams can enhance your home’s value and add enjoyment to your daily routine. A leading trend in bathroom design is to create a space that is not only functional but is a true sanctuary. To craft a spa-like bath setting that you’ll love for years to come, consider these elements. 1. Sinks and vanities Clutter causes chaos that can add to daily stress. To establish a peaceful retreat without the disorder that commonly overtakes bathrooms, it’s important to keep organization in mind when selecting a sink and vanity combination. The key is to find a balance between style and functionality. Consider the DXV Modulus collection, which creates simple yet dramatic spaces with a selection of trending materials and finishes for optimum style. Its modular concept, highlighted with minimalistic bathroom sinks and coordinating vanities, allows for maximum flexibility in installation and organization. It brings high design to any project, including master bathrooms and powder rooms, where space may be at a premium.
Soothing, romantic and indulgent, DXV soaking tubs create the perfect personal sanctuary. This must-have showstopper adds style, repose and a touch of luxury that elevates any bathroom setting. 3. Shower systems Forget boring single showerheads. Today’s complete shower systems go beyond the basic clean to provide a comprehensive bathing experience. Design the space to fit your preferences with different sprays and various angles for massage, invigoration or total relaxation. You can adjust the flow and temperature to your liking. It’s customization on demand. To further enhance the shower experience, add in spa-like elements, like your choice of adjustable lighting and music to match your mood. Go ahead and close your eyes, feel the water, and escape while getting lost in your favorite tunes. With the right elements and well-thought-out design, you can craft your own personal oasis. Adding to your home’s value while relishing in its pleasure – now that’s a dream come true.
Page 2B • Thursday, July 26, 2018
Real Estate
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Age remodeling? Make changes where it matters most (BPT)
Bathroom safety
merican household demographics constantly change. With kids grown and moved out, many adults are considering remodeling to meet their future needs. This has inspired the idea of aging in place, meaning the desire to have a high quality of life in your home as you get older. In the United States, it’s a desire shared by many.
Bathrooms are one of the most dangerous rooms in a home, particularly for those age 65 and older who are more prone to falls. When remodeling, add wall supports such as grab bars in the bath, shower and by the toilet. For showers, a fold-down seat and handheld showerhead can add comfort. A wall-hung sink adds space below and can make it easier to clean and move around. Avoid using rugs and instead install slip-resistant flooring.
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According to the AARP, 87 percent of adults age 65 and older want to stay in their current home and community as they age. Furthermore, among people age 50 to 64, 71 percent of people want to age in place. The desire to age in place typically requires making thoughtful updates to a home to accommodate senior needs. Multigenerational households are also changing for older family members. Sometimes it’s necessary to have elderly relatives move in to your home for them to thrive. Adult children will opt to make remodeling updates so spaces are safe, comfortable and accessible for all. Whether you’re remodeling for yourself or a family member, there are many things to consider. Making changes where it matters most will help transform the household into a secure space for aging adults. Single-story living Having all rooms on a single story is the ideal layout for senior living. That means the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen can be accessed without having to travel to different levels of the home. Keep in mind, open-concept designs can be beneficial for seniors, but if you are updating hallways, make sure they are at least 36 inches wide for easy maneuverability. Bathroom additions Adding a bathroom to facilitate single-story living might seem impossible if you don’t have existing drainage. However, it is feasible and doesn’t require costly demolition. With Saniflo, you can add a complete bathroom where no drainage existed before, thanks to above-floor plumbing features like a macerating toilet and drain pumps. The Saniaccess2 is ideal for powder rooms and the Saniaccess3 is a smart choice for full baths.
Kitchen additions Redesigning your home with a mother-in-law suite for aging relatives can be a nice way to provide them with everything they need. It will also ensure that everyone has their desired privacy in the home. Again, don’t let drainage limit your remodel plans. Add a modest kitchen setup using Saniflo Sanivite technology. It will pump wastewater away from a variety of sources, such as a kitchen sink, laundry sink and washing machine. Learn more at go.saniflo.com. Ramps and stairs There may be spaces in a home where you can’t avoid installing a ramp or stairs. The entryway is one such area. For stairways, install handrails on both sides and add contrast strips to prevent tripping and stumbling hazards. For ramps, the National Association of Home Builders recommends slopes no greater than 1-inch rise for each 12 inches in length, a 2-inch curb for safety and a 5-foot landing at the entrance. All ramps or stairs should have adequate lighting for easy visibility. Ample lighting As vision decreases with age, lighting becomes a critical element throughout a home. Consider adding windows and skylights for plenty of natural light. Swap in brighter bulbs and add adjustable features that allow you to customize settings for frequently used spaces. Finally, add motion lights to hallways and bathrooms for easy evening use. Hard-wired lights are preferred to plug-in options, but if you must have cords, make sure they are hidden or secured to the ground. When aging in place matters to you or your family members, these guidelines can help you remodel wisely. Smart updates will help you enjoy your home today and thrive in the future.
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Real Estate
Thursday, July. 26, 2018 • Page 3B
Watch what you heat: 5 kitchen safety tips
(BPT)
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ooking equipment is the top cause of home fires, and the second leading cause of home fire deaths, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). “Considered to be one of the more preventable types of fires, kitchen fires can be avoided by following a few commonsense guidelines,” says Tarsila Wey, director of marketing at First Alert. “Home safety experts recommend having at least one fire extinguishing product conveniently located in the kitchen, as well as on every level of the home and in the garage.” Be prepared to fight the small flames by following the below tips to stay safe in the kitchen. Properly equip your home. Keep your family and house safe by ensuring that functioning smoke alarms are installed throughout your home. The NFPA recommends one alarm on every floor, including the basement, and inside every bedroom. In addition, install smoke alarms at least 10 feet from cooking appliances to minimize false alarms. All alarms should be tested monthly, and for alarms without 10year batteries, replace the batteries every six months. Keep an eye on your food. Staying in the kitchen while cooking is key to preventing oven or stovetop fires. Whether you’re simmering, baking, boiling or roasting, check on your food regularly. If you need a reminder that the oven or stove is on, just set a timer. Be aware that fires can happen fast, so if you must leave the kitchen – even for a short period of time – turn off the stove. Clean your appliances. Keep all your appliances clean of grease and food debris that could potentially cause a fire. Clear the toaster of crumbs and wipe down the stovetop as needed. Ovens should be cleaned at least every three to six months.
Clear off kitchen countertops. Keep your countertops clean and clear of flammable objects. Move items such as pot holders, wooden utensils, plastic bags, food packaging and paper towels away from the stove, oven or any other kitchen device that generates heat. Be prepared when disaster strikes. Over 70 percent of fire extinguisher owners say that they would not feel very comfortable actually operating one. Providing homeowners with a userfriendly, affordable solution, the First Alert Tundra Fire Extinguishing Spray features a lightweight spray-can design that has no pins or levers – making it easy to use. It can put out common household fires, including cooking oil, fabric, paper, wood and electrical fires. Tundra sprays four times longer than an average fire extinguisher and fits perfectly in your kitchen cabinet. Plus, it won’t damage your stove or countertop; simply wipe the area clean with a damp cloth. Having the necessary fire safety tools and knowledge, and talking with your family members about these safety precautions, can help prevent potentially fatal kitchen fires. To learn more tips and tricks, visit www.FirstAlert.com.
Page 4B • Thursday, July 26, 2018
Real Estate
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
5 tips for financing your next home improvement project
(BPT)
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hether it’s transforming a fixer-upper into
used based on your creditworthiness and ability to pay, not tied to a piece of collateral.
your dream home or just giving a makeover
3. Create a budget. Because of the nature of remodels,
to your kitchen or bathroom, home improve-
things often end up costing more than you might think.
ment projects are on the minds of many new homeowners
No matter how big or how small the project, you need to have a solid sense of what your “all in” budget number is. This should not only account for hard and soft costs for things like labor, materials and designers, it should also account for contingency costs. Experts typically recommend budgeting an additional 15 to 20 percent for unexpected scenarios that might arise. A thoughtful budget will help keep your priorities in front of you and prevent you from spending more than you want. 4. Remember, this is an investment! Not all home renovations will pay off in
across the country.
While many things about renovating your home are
the long term. It’s important to consider cost vs. value before you start making changes, especially for homeowners looking to sell in the near future. If you
flexible, your budget might not be. In general, not a sin-
plan on putting your house on the market sooner rather
gle floor board is laid, or a new countertop installed with-
than later, be sure to keep track of the top home features
out money, which is why every home renovation project
to get the best return on your investment.
should begin with careful financial planning.
To help homeowners with their renovation projects,
5. Work with a designer. This might sound like a luxury or an added expense, but in many cases, a designer could
Marcus by Goldman Sachs is sharing budget-friendly
actually help save money by finding deals or providing
home renovation tips.
suggestions for less expensive alternatives, such as us-
There are several ways to finance larger projects
and it’s important to explore your options to find the one that’s right for you. Below are five important tips to keep
ing quartz or white concrete instead of marble. Above all, their expertise can help avoid costly mistakes that can often arise when people try to cut corners on their own.
in mind when deciding how to fund your next home proj-
ect.
finance your home improvement project. When you’re
1. Shop around. The better you plan, the better chance you’ll save money. Before anything gets torn out or in-
With these tips, you should be better prepared to
ready to start, you shouldn’t have to wait weeks for a home appraisal to get your renovation project underway.
stalled, you should spend time consulting with contrac-
tors and getting estimates. Look at the work they’ve done
tions from Marcus by Goldman Sachs in as little as five
to see if they would be a good fit. Most importantly, don’t
minutes and once approved, most people see the funds in
be afraid to ask a lot of questions to make sure you’re
their bank accounts in as little as four days. With Marcus
working with the right people and paying the right price.
you could be one step closer to your dream home.
2. Consider financing options. There are several options when financing a home improvement project and it is important to choose the right fit for you. Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOC) require you to borrow against the value of your home, with home equity loans offering a lump sum while home equity lines of credit provide you with a credit line you can borrow against. An unsecured home improvement loan can be
You could see your home improvement loan op-
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Real Estate
Thursday, July. 26, 2018 • Page 5B
You’re covered: Four unusual homeowners claims you didn’t think would ever happen (BPT)
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omeowners insurance is a practical investment to help protect you, your family and your property in the event of unforeseen and unexpected losses. Traditionally, it’s associated with fire damage, burst or leaking pipes, or stolen property, but occasionally it covers unusual events that make for sensational news stories and viral videos. Here are four claims homeowners never thought would happen to them. 1. Bear B&B Bears are notoriously curious and intelligent creatures that also have an acute sense of smell. People who live in areas with bears for neighbors must not entice them with the aromas of food. Keep doors and windows on ground floors closed and locked while cooking or if you leave the house. A bear can easily get through the screen of an open window or manipulate a lever-like door handle to enter your home and cause significant damage. “Encountering a bear inside your home would be a very frightening experience,” says Christopher O’Rourke, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. “Safety should be your first priority, so call your local police or animal control station to have them help you with the situation. You can worry about any potential damages after the animal leaves the residence, because your homeowners policy will most likely cover any damage to your home (though not your personal property), unless of course the bear is a family pet.” 2. The sky is falling China’s Tiangong-1 space station plummeted back to Earth and made its re-entry into the atmosphere earlier this year, breaking apart over the southern Pacific Ocean. The odds of debris from the space station hitting you were less than one in 1 trillion, according to the Aerospace Corporation. If it had hit your home, though, homeowners insurance would’ve covered it. 3. Your house is stolen Yes, you read that correctly. Your homeowners insurance will cover the entire house, not just the contents inside, if it is stolen. O’Rourke explains, “We had an insured who was away on vacation and when he returned the foundation of his home was all that remained. “A house moving company had mixed up the address with another house down the street that was scheduled to be moved. The movers came in, transported the house to another location and thought their job was done – wrong! “You can only imagine his surprise at the mistake. While homeowners insurance covered the cost of getting things restored back to normal, I would suspect this was one of the strangest situations any insurer has ever encountered,” says O’Rourke. 4. Fore! Golf is a leisurely pastime enjoyed by millions in the U.S. It involves strolling across greens and riding in golf carts, so its slow pace may seem low-risk, but it can actually be quite dangerous. According to an article in Golf Digest magazine, nearly 40,000 golfers are admitted to emergency rooms annually after being injured while playing, most by errant golf balls and flying club heads. Recreational golfers can also cause a lot of damage to personal property. If you live on a golf course, your house has probably been hit many times by errant shots - breaking windows, damaging roofs and leaving divots in exterior walls. So, who’s responsible for these injuries and damage? “Simply put, the golfer who hit the shot is responsible,” says O’Rourke. “There is good news, however, because recreational golfers would be covered by a homeowners, condo owners or renters insurance policy for damage or injuries that result from the wayward shot.” Mercury recommends reviewing your homeowners insurance policy annually with your local insurance agent to ensure that you’re adequately covered for any unforeseen losses, both unusual and ordinary.