Ae a 0060 0221

2 - Addison Eagle - Home Improvement

www.addison-eagle.com

February 21, 2015

How to stay within your home improvement budget H

ome improvement projects range from small scale undertakings that can be tackled in a single weekend to large remodels that can take several months to complete. While no two projects are the same, every home improvement project demands that homeowners dip into their pockets and spend some money.

Much like the scale of projects varies greatly, so, too, do the financial commitments required of homeowners to make those projects a reality. But no matter the size of the project, homeowners can find ways to stretch their budgets without sacrificing the quality of their improvements.

Do your homework.

Before you decide to make changes to your home, it’s best to first do some research into any potential projects youÕ re considering. Many homeowners have decided to dive into a project before they fully realize its scope and cost, and going in blind can bust a budget, turning what might have seemed like a relatively simple project into a money pit.

Understanding just what a project entails and how much itÕ s likely to cost can give homeowners an idea of what they can afford and where they might be able to stretch their budgets. For example, if you want to replace your kitchen countertops but can’t afford engineered quartz countertops, you might be able to find a less expensive alternative, such as tile, that you like just as much.

But itÕ s best to research such alternatives before you decide to replace your existing countertops.

If you can’t find a less expensive alternative, you might want to postpone the project until you can grow your budget.

But starting the project without first grasping its true cost is a recipe for disaster, so do your homework before you find your toolbox and start working.

Build unforeseen expenses into your budget.

Another way to stay within your budget is to include budget-busting unforeseen expenses into the budget from the get-go. Whether youÕ re doing the project yourself or paying a contractor, nearly every home improvement project will present some unforeseen, and costly, hurdles.

For example, you might find mold inside the walls when you’re converting a basement, and it can cost a pretty penny to make that mold go away. If you go into the project expecting such hurdles, then the financial sting of addressing them won’t prove too great a burden.

But if the mold catches you and your budget completely off guard, you might be forced to overextend that budget or make sacrifices elsewhere in order to complete the project. Build some contingency money, including permit and permit fees, into your home improvement project to safeguard against such unforeseen issues.

Get to work.

If youÕ re hiring a contractor, speak to him or her before signing a contract to see if there is anywhere you can pitch in to keep the labor costs low. You might be able to pitch in during the demolition phase, saving the cost of paying your contractorÕ s workers to tear down walls or remove debris you can just as easily remove yourself.

Another way to pitch in is to do the end-of-day cleanup yourself. Any role you play with regard to labor will likely need to be negotiated upfront, but you can save yourself a substantial amount of money on labor if youÕ re willing to get your hands dirty.

Determine if piecemeal is the most affordable option.

Sometimes it makes sense to tackle one project at a time, while other times you might want to combine projects to save on the cost of materials. For instance, if your ultimate goal is to install

Homeowners willing and able to pitch in on their home projects can save themselves a substantial amount of money on labor costs.

wood flooring throughout your home, determine if it makes more financial sense to install the flooring all at once rather than doing one or two rooms at a time.

You might save by buying all of your materials at once rather than buying a small amount of materials several times over the next several years.

Home improvement projects often go a long way toward making a home more enjoyable for its owners and inhabitants.

And while such projects can be costly, homeowners who stay disciplined can still get their dream homes without busting their budgets.

February 21, 2015

www.addison-eagle.com

Home Improvement - Addison Eagle- 3

Woodcraft Suggests Plan for Year of ‘Dream Home Projects’

S

pend some quality time with your house, and make a list of the pluses and minuses as if you were considering whether to buy it. Use this list to develop projects that will create your Ò dream homeÓ over a yearÕ s time. To help you, Woodcraft offers some ideas for projects and products.

Workbench and Scaffold. Both benches include power strips.

• The EZ Pro Crown King Crown Molding Jig from General Tools works with a mitersaw to cut crown molding joints precisely without difficult angle calculations and compound angle cuts.

Project Ideas

• 3M PSA-Backed Veneer is real wood veneer permanently bonded to 3M Pressure Sensitive Adhesive. It can be applied to MDF, particleboard, plywood, and drywall with excellent results. The veneer is used for furniture repair, countertops, shelves, and architectural applications.

• Use paints, stains, dyes, finishes, and related products to reinvigorate the wood throughout your home, including doors, shutters, walls and furniture.

• Add molding or other trim to give walls an upscale look.

• Fein’s MultiMaster Q Start Kit is equipped for sawing, rasping, scraping, removing grout, sanding, polishing, and cutting, all powered by a 250-watt, variable-speed motor.

• Expand storage space with wall-hung or free-standing shelving in as many rooms and areas as possible, matching shapes, hardware and color to each roomÕ s dŽ cor.

• “Transforming Your Kitchen with Stock Cabinetry” is a 160-page softcover book by cabinetmaker Jonathan Benson and his wife, Sherry Benson, a chef, that shows how to transform a kitchen using money-saving stock cabinetry and a well-thought-out plan.

• Replace or upcycle kitchen, bathroom or garage cabinets, as well as outdated bathroom vanities.

• Add a wood deck, patio or porch to your outdoor area, and repair/revive or build outdoor benches and other furniture. Ò If the changes you envision involve unfamiliar tasks, do some research,Ó says Woodcraft product manager Ben Bice. Ò We offer books about home improvement topics, as well as ‘Woodcraft Magazine’ technique downloads and how-to videos for many products online.

Or get some expert advice at your nearest Woodcraft store.Ó

Woodcraft product manager Ben Bice applies finish to a cabinet door, using a single QuikBENCH. The bench’s built-in power strip and uses for multiple benches are also pictured.

• Grex 18-Gauge 2” Nailer — Green Buddy is a precision nailer that fires 1⁄2” to 2” 18-gauge nails for trim and moldings, cabinet assembly, furniture and cabinet finish work, jig fixtures, light wood assembly and more.

easy to use Ñ simply wipe on with a rag and wipe off the excess. Stains are available in 12 shades, including the popular Java and Georgian Cherry. A perfect solution for attractive redesigns at an affordable price.

er switches easily between three sanding modes — aggressive, random orbital finish sanding, and delta detail sanding Ñ that will handle a host of tasks from stripping stubborn paint to creating a smooth finish.

• General Finishes Water-Based Milk Paints include a 28-color base selection of premixed acrylic paints that can be combined to create even more colors suitable for indoor or outdoor projects. Use the milk paint with the six translucent Glaze Effects to create eye-catching decorative finishes, such as distressing, antiquing or shabby chic.

• OneTime Wood Protector is a proprietary acrylate resin blend that penetrates woodÕ s cellular structure and cures it by exposure to UV radiation. It protects new wood, old wood, pressure treated wood, or wood that has had the previous coating removed Ñ for seven years! Great for outdoor wood projects such as wood shake roof, deck, chairs, picnic tables, fences and more.

• Earlex Gemini HVLP Sprayer can be used as a cup fed gun to spray fine finishes and paints, or with a pump to push water-based paint/stain directly from the can via a 13Õ hose to the gun for covering large surfaces.

• M1 Tape Measure features patented Sight Scribe that allows you to measure and mark without a pencil. Lock your measurement with the M1 blade lock, and take it wherever you need to mark.

• Festool’s Rotex RO90 Multi-Purpose Sand-

To learn more about these products and others that can help you update your home, visit your local Woodcraft store, call (800) 535-4482 or visit www.woodcraft.com.

• General Finishes Gel Stains and Topcoat are

• The QuikBENCH Portable Workbench holds 300 pounds alone; add another to form a sawhorse to hold 2,000 pounds. Or connect several for a larger workstation. If you need a scaffold, choose the portable Vika Twofold

Helpful Products

• The Kreg Jig® K5 Pocket Hole System offers an easy way to use pocket hole joints in your furniture and home projects, such as decks and porches.

4 - Addison Eagle - Home Improvement

www.addison-eagle.com

February 21, 2015

Add value to your home with these renovations H

Renovate the HVAC system

omeowners choose renovation projects for a variety of reasons. Although many improvements are made to increase functionality and comfort of a home, several others are seen as worthwhile investments. These investments can add up to a higher resale value when the time comes to sell a home.

Certain projects have a history of providing a greater return on homeownersÕ investments than others. The following renovation tips can add beauty to your home and generate great returns when you put the home up for sale.

Aesthetic improvements arenÕ t the only ones that add value to a home. Many home buyers are eager to purchase a home that has a new heating and cooling system, as buyers understand that furnaces and air conditioning units are substantial investments that can last for years. Other improvements, such as adding attic insulation or replacing older windows and doors with more energy efficient options, also are smart bets.

Add illumination to rooms

A dark home is a dreary home. Adding light can mean including more overhead and accent lighting.

Under-cabinet task lighting is a nice touch. Inclusion of skylights and sun tubes can bring natural light into rooms that may not have south- or west-facing windows.

Invest in your kitchen

Kitchen remodels are a safe bet when it comes to putting money into improving a home. Residents tend to spend a great deal of time in the kitchen, but a dated, poorly functioning kitchen can detract from the value of a home, even if the rest of the home is in good shape.

It’s possible to recoup between 60 and 120 percent of your kitchen remodel investment, especially if the kitchen matches up well with the rest of your home.

Homeowners should know that a deluxe renovation may not be necessary, as relatively moderate improvements can create a whole new look for a kitchen.

Put a deck addition outdoors

Outdoor living spaces have become more desireable, especially as the Ò staycationÓ has grown in popularity.

Decks and patios can make backyards more appealing.

The scope of your investment will depend on the size of the deck and design. Doing the work yourself can cut the cost of decks in half, but only if you have the specific tools or experience to tackle such a project.

Look to paint

One of the least expensive improvement materials, but one that has a significant impact, is paint. Neutral, modern colors can easily liven up any space. If you paint with low-VOC paint, you also can advertise an eco-friendly home, which is very desireable these days.

Improve curb appeal

Adding attractive landscaping and freshening up the entryway to a home can add considerable value to your home, as buyers judge homes by their exteriors.

Completely renovated interiors may never be seen if buyers pass up your home because of a less attractive exterior. Classy, subtle changes, like well-placed shrubbery and a green lawn, can work wonders. An inviting front door and well-lit entryway also add curb appeal to a home.

Put in another bathroom

Multiple bathrooms are an attractive selling point, particularly in older homes that may not have been equipped with more than one bathroom. Finding extra space for a bathroom can be tricky, but consider closets, areas under stairs or even taking some space away from another room. Popular home-improvement television channel HGTV advises that half-bathrooms require at least 18 square feet of space, while full baths need 30 to 35 square feet for a stand-up shower or bathtub.

Think ahead

Before making improvements, homeowners should determine if a given project will provide a solid return on their investment.

Finding space to install an extra bathroom in a home can be a worthwhile investment.

Jackm an Fuels, Inc.

Serving the Champlain Valley since 1945 Ultra low sulfer Heating Oil, Diesel, and Propane

205 Main Street, Vergennes • 877-2661 www.jackmanfuels.com

70809

February 21, 2015

www.addison-eagle.com

Dos and don’ts of kitchen remodels

A

ccording to Remodeling magazineÕ s “2014 Cost vs. Value Report,” a major kitchen remodeling project should enable homeowners to recoup 74.2 percent of their initial investments. Kitchen renovations have long been a safe way to improve the functionality and value of a home. But not every kitchen project is a guaranteed winner. Homeowners may inadvertently make changes that end up sticking out like a sore thumb rather than improving the space. Take a look at these kitchen remodeling dos and donÕ ts to guide your next undertaking.

DO consider the way your kitchen will look with the rest of the home. Keep architectural integrity in mind when designing the space. A farmhouse sink and country cabinets can look out of place in an ultra-modern home.

DON’T overlook the importance of a seasoned designer or architect. These pros will know the tricks to maximizing space and achieving the ideal layout of appliances and may be able to recommend local contractors and vendors.

DO look beyond surface details to the structural integrity of the design. The kitchen should be functional, long-lasting and beautiful.

DON’T design just for today, but look to the future as well. Unless you are willing to spend $50,000 every five years, look for styles and materials that will last for the long haul. Older homeowners may want to make adjustments now that address potential mobility issues down the road.

DO work with what you have. A complete demolition and renovation is not always necessary to achieve the desired results. Only invest in major changes if something is not working (such as having to walk across the entire kitchen to access the stove) or is unsafe. Otherwise, minor upgrades may do the trick.

DON’T over-improve the space. A fully equipped commercial kitchen may be handy for a professional chef, but the average person may not need an industrial hood and indoor pizza oven. When you make excessive improvements, you may not be able to recoup as much of the money spent because your home will not be on par with the values of homes in the neighborhood.

DO make sure you can afford the project. Plan for some unexpected purchases and plan out the renovation according to your budget. Skimping on materials or design because of lack of money may leave you feeling dissatisfied afterward.

Home Improvement - Addison Eagle- 5

6 - Addison Eagle - Home Improvement

www.addison-eagle.com

February 21, 2015

Common mistakes made on home renovation projects H

ome improvement projects can turn a house into a home. Homeowners plan scores of renovations to transform living spaces into rooms that reflect their personal tastes and comforts.

Homeowners going it alone may find things do not always go as planned. In fact, a Harris Interactive study found that 85 percent of homeowners say remodeling is a more stressful undertaking than buying a home. But homeowners about to embark on home improvement projects can make the process go more smoothly by avoiding these common pitfalls.

Failing to understand the scope of the project

Some homeowners donÕ t realize just how big a commitment they have made until they get their hands dirty. But understanding the scope of the project, including how much demolition and reconstruction is involved and how much time a project will take can help homeowners avoid some of the stress that comes with renovation projects. For example, a bathroom renovation may require the removal of drywall, reinforcement of flooring to accommodate a new bathtub or shower enclosure and the installation of new plumbing and wiring behind walls. So such a renovation is far more detailed than simply replacing faucets.

Making trendy or overpersonal improvements

Homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for the long run have more free reign when it comes to renovating their homes. Such homeowners can create a billiards room or paint a room hot pink if they so prefer. However, if the goal is to make improvements in order to sell a property, overly personal touches may make a property less appealing to prospective buyers. Trends come and go, and improvements can be expensive. If your ultimate goal is to sell your home, opt for renovations that will look beautiful through the ages and avoid bold choices that may only appeal to a select few buyers.

Overestimating DIY abilities

Overzealous homeowners may see a renovation project in a magazine or on television and immediately think they can do the work themselves. Unless you have the tools and the skills necessary to do the work, tackling too much can be problematic. In the long run, leaving the work to a professional may save you money.

Home improvements can be stressful, but homeowners can lessen that stress by avoiding common renovation mistakes.

Forgetting to properly vet all workers

It is important to vet your contractor, but donÕ t forget to vet potential subcontractors as well.

Failing to do so can prove a costly mistake. Contractors often look to subcontractors to perform certain parts of a job, and it is the responsibility of homeowners to vet these workers.

Not establishing a budget

Homeowners must develop a project budget to ensure their projects do not drain their finances.

If your budget is so inflexible that you can’t afford the materials you prefer, you may want to postpone the project and save more money so you can eventually afford to do it right.

Without a budget in place, it is easy to overspend, and that can put you in financial peril down the line. Worrying about coming up with money to pay for materials and labor also can induce stress. Avoid the anxiety by setting a firm budget.

Expecting everything to go as planned

Optimism is great, but you also should be a realist. Knowing what potentially could go wrong puts you in a better position to handle any problems should they arise. The project might go off without a hitch, but plan for a few hiccups along the way.

February 21, 2015

www.addison-eagle.com

Home Improvement - Addison Eagle- 7

Simple, paint-free ways to brighten your home A

utumn is a beautiful time of year marked by pleasant temperatures and colorful fall foliage. But as vibrant as nature can be in the weeks after summer has ended, homeowners know that the shortened days of autumn mean less light inside their homes, which can become dreary even in the weeks before the arrival of winter.

Many homeowners pick up their paintbrushes in an effort to make their homes more colorful. But homeowners need not embrace their inner Picasso to brighten their homesÕ interiors. The following are a handful of paint-free ways to add some splashes of color to your home this fall.

tion to brighten up their homes may want to consider removable wallpaper. Such paper is less expensive than traditional wallpaper, and many do-it-yourselfers find removable wallpaper is easy to both install and remove. Choose a colorful pattern that can turn an otherwise plain wall into a potent palette that adds some life to your homeÕ s interior. Because removable wallpaper does not require a significant financial investment, you can experiment with various colors or change things up each month if you so desire.

Bring nature inside

Another way to add color to the walls inside your home without dusting off your paintbrush is to hang some colorful artwork. Paintings that feature bold colors tend to draw your immediate attention when you enter a room, and that quality can make you forget the room is not benefitting from natural light. If you want to go the extra mile, find a painting that features colors which match throw pillows or other accessories in the room. This way your walls and your accessories are working in concert to make a room more colorful.

Flowers and plants can make colorful additions to a homeÕ s interior. Flowers tend to be aromatic, which can make a stuffy house in which windows need to be kept closed a lot more pleasant. Plants and flowers also can improve indoor air quality. Several studies, including one published in the Journal for the AmericanSociety for Horticultural Science, have shown that houseplants improve indoor air quality by filtering out volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that can be harmful to human health. ThatÕ s especially important come late fall and winter, when homeowners typically shut their windows and keep them shut until spring, making it difficult for fresh air to enter a home.

Invest in some colorful throw pillows

Natural sunlight brightens a room come spring and summer. But sunlight is increasingly scarce as fall turns into winter, and rooms that do not boast too many colorful accents can quickly grow drab as summertime sunlight dwindles. Instead of buying new furniture, invest in some colorful throw pillows to give a room a more vibrant look. Patterns can be mixed and matched to provide some contrast and transform a room from somewhere to spend time into a sight to behold.

Paper the walls

While many of todayÕ s homeowners prefer paint to wallpaper, those who want a less permanent solu-

Add some artwork

Rug it out

A patterned throw rug is another accessory that can effectively brighten a room without much effort or financial investment on the part of homeowners.

When choosing a throw rug, find one that’s colorful but does not clash considerably with existing furnishings, as you donÕ t want the rug to draw attention for all the wrong reasons.

You have more freedom with regard to rugs if youÕ re furnishing an empty room, as you can choose whichever rug you look and then choose additional furnishings based on the rug.

Think about seasons

Homes tend to darken as late fall turns into winter.

But homeowners can brighten their homes in various ways, even if they prefer not to paint.

AT LEFT: Colorful flowers and throw pillows can brighten a home’s interior with minimal financial investment on the part of homeowners.

www.addison-eagle.com

8 - Addison Eagle - Home Improvement

February 21, 2015

Practice garage and workshop smarts with these ideas C ompleting home improvement projects on your own can be both rewarding and financially responsible. A growing number of homeowners are dabbling in doit-yourself projects, recognizing both the personal and financial rewards of such undertakings.

As more and more homeowners perform their own renovations and other improvement projects, many are outfitting their homes with state-of-the-art workshops and transforming garages into a do-it-yourselferÕ s paradise.

Safety is vital in any workshop. During a typical home renovation, homeowners will use all sorts of dangerous tools and chemicals, and even the simplest mishap can result in a serious injury.

Following safety rules can reduce the risk of injury.

Know your tools

Before novice do-it-yourselfers begin working with power tools, they should familiarize themselves with their ownersÕ manuals and the operating instructions. Some home-improvement retailers offer classes in various home renovation projects and may be able to teach tool usage. Do-it-yourselfers should

consult professionals with regard to proper tool use and safety. Do not use tools for purposes other than what the tool was intended to do. If machine guards are provided, they should be used and never removed.

Wear safety gear

Eye, ear and breathing protection are key in any workshop environment. Dust and chemical gases may be present when working with certain products, and debris can be kicked up and enter the eyes, causing irritation or even blindness. Loud power tools can damage sensitive ears, especially when used in a contained room. Always wear goggles, sound-muffling earphones and dust masks when working.

Assess physical well-being

Do-it-yourselfers should never work with machinery if they are feeling sick or fatigued or while taking medication that can affect concentration or alertness. All it takes is a moment of distraction to cause an injury.

Never surprise anyone who is working with power tools and keep unnecessary people out of the workshop, where they might chat and distract others from the tasks at hand.

Factor in ergonomics

Failure to work in comfortable conditions can result in repetition injuries or muscle strain. Make the workshop as comfortable as possible. Ensure the work table is at the right height. Use a rubber mat on the floor to reduce standing fatigue. Have a stool or chair available for taking breaks.

Keep a clean shop

Power cords strewn around the workshop present a tripping hazard. They also make it possible to drag sharp or heavy tools off of tables and workbenches if the cords are pulled or tripped over. A neat workshop is a safer workshop. Pay attention to

65167

70839

where tools are kept and keep cords manageable.

Dress appropriately

Loose clothing and hair can become tangled or lodged in equipment. Do not wear jewelry. Dress comfortably but appropriately for the workshop, being sure to wear sturdy shoes.

Lock it up

Children and pets are curious and may wander into a workshop to explore. They can become seriously ill or injured by the bevy of chemicals and tools used for common projects. Some items are flammable and sharp and should always be out of reach. Locking cabinets and drawers can keep tools inaccessible. Also warn youngsters against entering the workshop unattended.

Reacquaint with safety

As more people engage in do-it-yourself projects, homeowners should reacquaint themselves with safety procedures.

February 21, 2015

www.addison-eagle.com

Home Improvement - Addison Eagle- 9

Remodeling spending increases as renovations are on the rise

I

n the not-so-distant past, home improvement projects all but came to a halt, as homeowners were weary about investing any money into fixer-uppers. But the tides have changed dramatically in recent months, and homeowners are again ready and willing to invest big dollars into home renovations.

Renewed confidence in the economy and an upswing in the real estate market have contributed to the remodeling frenzy.

In early 2014, the Joint Center for Housing Statistics of Harvard University forecasted nearly $150 billion in major remodeling spending over the year. JCHS said as homeowners gain more confidence in the housing market, they’re more likely to undertake home improvements they would have avoided in recent years.

While the numbers do not yet match pre-recession remodeling spending, the number of construction projects has steadily trended upward. According to the National Association of Home Builders, as of November 2014, a greater number of remodelers reported higher business activity than during the previous quarter. Remodeling spending has been gradually climbing back up from the all-time low it reached in 2009.

This growth in home renovations has led to more jobs for carpenters, plumbers, painters, electricians, and other construction workers. In Massachusetts alone, a recovery in overall construction employment has led to a gain of about 18,000 jobs during the past four years.

The Home Improvement Research Institute expects an additional 5.8 percent sales growth in home improvement spending in 2015. States that showed the highest levels of home improvement spending in 2014 are likely to continue to hold the top spots through 2015, and the National Association of Home Builders says these areas include the District of Columbia, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, and areas of southern California.

Americans are not the only ones increasing their home spending. According to reports released by Moneris Solutions Corporation, CanadaÕ s largest credit and debit card processor, purchases at home improvement stores rose by 8.49 percent over the same period last year, and spending on plumbing and heating equipment and electrical contractors climbed by 5.14 percent and 5.08 percent, respectively. Spending patterns indicate that homeowners are investing in DIY projects as well as seeking specialized

work provided by professional contractors.

Now is a good time for the real estate and home improvement sectors, as homeowners have renewed their fervor for making home renovations, both to increase comfort in their homes and make their homes more buyer-friendly.

Consumers are no longer leery about investing money in home projects.

10 - Addison Eagle - Home Improvement

www.addison-eagle.com

February 21, 2015

How to improve indoor air quality in your home With winter on the horizon, homeowners who live in locales with harsh winters are preparing their homes for a season spent largely indoors. Unlike the other seasons of the year, when homeowners can comfortably air out their homes by opening windows, winter offers no such opportunities to let nature improve indoor air quality.

Such a reality can make a home uncomfortable as winter drags on. But that discomfort pales in comparison to the health risks presented by poor indoor air quality. Radon, volatile chemicals from fragrances used in conventional cleaners and lead from house dust are just a few of the many sources of indoor air pollution commonly found in homes, and these pollutants can be especially harmful in winter, when many people spend more time indoors thanks to harsh weather. But while you might not be able to change the weather so you can open windows in the wintertime, you can take steps to improve indoor air quality in your home. * Clean the floors regularly. Dirty floors take their toll on a home’s indoor air quality. Dust that’s allowed to settle on floors

may contain harmful chemicals and allergens that can lead to respiratory problems and additional uncomfortable health conditions. Clean your floors at least once per week during the winter months, ideally with a vacuum that’s equipped with a HEPA filter. The HEPA filter is important because it can prevent dust and dirt from being blown back out of the vacuum in the exhaust.

After you have vacuumed, mop the floors as well, as even the most effective vacuums leave potentially harmful dust particles behind. A once-over with a mop and some hot water can remove any lingering dust left behind by the vacuum. * Place a floor mat near every entrance. Winter is a messy season, and itÕ s easy to bring in the great outdoors when you enter your home during cold weather seasons. Dirt that sticks to your shoes may contain potentially harmful chemicals, so place a floor mat near any door where people routinely enter your home and politely ask that all who enter wipe off and remove their shoes before moving about the house. * Dehumidify your home. Mold and dust mites thrive on moisture, so homeowners concerned about the moisture in their homes during the winter months can purchase a dehumidifier to control allergens and reduce moisture in the air.

In addition to using a dehumidifier, you can control humidity in your home by using an exhaust fan when cooking, addressing leaky plumbing fixtures to prevent mold growth and making sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outside of your home. * Choose naturally scented laundry products. Everyone wants their freshly cleaned clothes to smell good, but the price you pay when using laundry products that employ synthetic fragrances may be far more steep than you realize.

Such synthetic fragrances emit dozens of chemicals into the air, so choose naturally scented detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets when possible. * Avoid plug-in air fresheners. Unless otherwise noted on the packaging, plug-in air fresheners likely contain

volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which contain a variety of chemicals that can negatively impact both short- and longterm health. Instead of plugging in an air freshener to improve a homeÕ s interior aroma, slice fresh lemons and leave them out in the kitchen and keep fresh indoor plants in living areas. Studies from NASA have shown that indoor plants naturally purify indoor air by absorbing materials released by synthetic materials.

As winter gets set to return, homeowners can employ several simple strategies to improve indoor air quality in their homes.

Routinely vacuuming floors can improve indoor air quality in a home by preventing the buildup of dust mites and other harmful allergens.

www.addison-eagle.com

February 21, 2015

Home Improvement - Addison Eagle- 11

How you can finance your home improvement projects M any homeowners recognize that improving and maintaining a property makes a home more livable for its inhabitants and more attractive to prospective buyers when the time comes to erect a Ò For SaleÓ sign in the front yard.

But a well-maintained home also provides additional benefits. According to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, home improvements not only raise the values of individual homes, but they tend to raise neighborhood standards as well. Home improvements can create jobs and help local communities flourish economically.

Maintaining a home can be a costly undertaking. Home improvement projects can be expensive whether homeowners hire professionals or tackle renovation projects on their own. The following are a handful of options homeowners can consider as they look for ways to finance renovation projects.

• Paying outright: Paying for the renovations upfront and in full is perhaps the simplest way to finance a project. Homeowners who have the cash to pay for renovations outright wonÕ t have to worry about interest rates or balloon pay-

ments.

• Mortgage refinancing: Some homeowners tap into their home equity to cover home remodeling projects. Refinancing a mortgage means paying off the debt owed and starting over with a completely new loan. Refinancing comes with various fees and can cost between 3 and 6 percent of the loanÕ s principal.

• Home equity loans and lines of credit: Both of these options are commonly referred to as second mortgages. When homeowners apply for home equity loans or lines of credit, they are borrowing against the equity value in their

homes. A home equity loan is a term, or closedend, loan. It is a one-time sum that will be paid off over a set amount of time with a fixed interest rate and the same payment each month. This is a one-time loan from which a person cannot borrow further. A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is like having a credit card. It’s possible to borrow a certain amount for the life of the loan, which is a set time specified by the lender.

During this time, homeowners can withdraw money as it is needed up to the value of the line of credit. HELOCs typically have a variable interest rate that fluctuates and payments can vary depending on the amount of money borrowed and the current interest rates.

• Title I property loan: Residents of the United States with limited equity in their homes may qualify for an FHA Title I loan. Banks and other lenders are qualified to make these loans from their own funds, and the FHA will insure the lender against a possible loss. Title I loans can be used for any improvements that will make a home more useful and livable. They cannot be used for renovations deemed luxury expenses.

• Borrow against retirement funds: Some people opt to borrow against a 401(k) plan,

IRA or another retirement fund. If the retirement plan allows a loan without penalty, it can be another way to secure funds. Because it is the homeownerÕ s money, there will be no credit check required and less delay in getting the funds. Borrowers should keep in mind that taking a loan against a retirement account will usually result in a lower retirement balance than it would have been had they not borrowed money from the account Ñ even after the funds have been repaid.

• Credit cards: Credit cards are an option when improvements are not expensive. Individuals with excellent credit ratings may qualify for cards with a no-interest introductory periods of several months or more. These cards can be a good way to pay off moderate improvements in a short amount of time.

Many home renovation projects require homeowners to develop a home improvement budget. Homeowners are urged to explore all options and find the least costly loan method and the one that will present the best possibility for avoiding debt.

Tips for homeowners on their first renovation projects H

ome renovations are typically exciting, as homeowners get to see the visions of their dream homes come to light right before their very eyes. Turning an outdated bathroom into a modern oasis or an empty basement into the ultimate man cave strengthens the sense of attachment homeowners have with their homes.

But few home renovation projects go from start to finish without experiencing a few bumps in the road along the way. Such bumps can be difficult to handle for homeowners working on their first renovation projects, but there are many ways for novices to navigate the sometimes murky waters of home improvement projects and come out relatively unscathed on the other end, where a newly renovated home awaits.

• Plan well and know what to expect. When working with contractors, get all agreements in writing and spell out exactly what you desire in a home renovation. Photo references can help guide contractors and architects. Ask for the full picture of what can be expected with the work, from demolition to the punch list.

Knowing what lies ahead can keep you grounded throughout the project.

• Discuss work each day and set payment schedules. Make payments contingent on work completed. This can help keep contractors on schedule. Paying for all work upfront leaves homeowners at a disadvantage, as it does not provide incentive for workers to be timely and efficient. Check in with workers to get daily progress reports.

• Have reasonable expectations. A renovation project may exceed its budget and take longer than initially expected. Understanding that these potential setbacks might be part of the process will make it easier to handle them when the foreman speaks to you about any issues that arise.

• Accept the mess. Construction work is messy. There’s no way to maintain a pristine house when contractors are entering and exiting all day. Dust is bound to be generated, and tools can fill up rooms. A home in disarray can be stressful, but continue to visualize the end result and the mess wonÕ t bother you so much.

• Establish a contingency plan. Bathrooms and kitchen renovations are typically the most disruptive home improvement projects. Going without a kitchen can make it difficult to enjoy meals at home, while a bathroom remodel may require you to navigate water shutoffs. If your project is scheduled to take several months, establish a contingency plan to deal with the consequences of your renovation project. Speak with family members about using some of their home amenities, and prepare and freeze meals in advance so you can reheat them later on when you donÕ t have access to your stove.

• Plan your escape. Sometimes the constant work and mess of construction is too much to bear. Afford yourself time away by visiting relatives or staying at a hotel. Even a single night away can provide the relief you need.

A home that is undergoing a remodel can be a less than comfortable environment. But homeowners who have never before lived through a renovation project can take several steps to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

12 - Addison Eagle - Home Improvement

www.addison-eagle.com

February 21, 2015