Hearth & Homestead 2023

Fireplace TRENDS

5 Signs it’s time to RENOVATE YOUR HOME

Create more privacy ON YOUR PROPERTY

Normand Lambert Homes BUILDING HIS (AND YOUR) American Dream

Building His (and Your) American Dream

Normand Lambert Homes Continues a Family Tradition

Written by Susanna Lorenz

This is the story of Normand Lambert: the man behind Normand Lambert Homes. In his daughter Shelbie’s words, Normand’s life is “the epitome of the ‘American Dream’.” She reflects, “He started his business when he was a teenager…” with a young family.

Actually, Normand’s home building history started two generations farther back. His grandfather, father, and Normand were all framers by trade. Normand kept honing his craft of setting up wooden stud frames of homes as his main gig for many years.

In 2014 something happened that changed his blueprint. Normand shared, “I wanted to build my own house…I truly enjoyed it.” In fact, Normand enjoyed the process to such a degree that it rivaled his enjoyment of the a game of golf. With such excitement over making his family’s dreams come true, Normand knew he wanted to keep at it.

He first imagined building one or two homes a year, but the foundations he laid with this slow and steady progress made way for something more. Grateful customers kept spreading the word and more kept calling Normand to make their dream homes a reality. Today, Normand Lambert Homes has far exceeded Normand’s most hopeful expectations.

As word spread about his talent, people started asking if Normand would be willing to complete remodels as well, but

he has learned to stick to his straight and narrow. He remarked, “Breaking into walls, and stuff like that; I kinda stay away from it…what I really enjoy is a clean slate…and taking it from there and putting somebody’s dream on top of it.”

Since Normand is in the business of making people’s dreams come true, his focus is just as much the customer as the structure they want him to build. Maybe that is why the readers of The Fayette County Record voted his business best home builder two years in a row.

His heart for people and building them their dream homes led him to develop a motto for anyone looking for a builder: “whether you are hiring me or somebody else; hire somebody you trust.” This is because he sees that strong trust leads to a phenomenal relationship and experience between his customers and himself.

After partnering with so many customers to make their dream home, Normand has learned what it takes to make the process as smooth as a well sanded door. He shared some tips on how to choose the right home builder.

To begin, Normand would suggest that those seeking a builder “find out who this person is; what kind of work they do.” This includes having an idea of the builder’s integrity, work ethic, and ability to

“Normand Lambert Homes was our builder choice. We are very pleased with our custom home. Our plans were not cookie cutter and Normand brought them to life! The building process was very easy. ...With years and years of experience in the construction field, it was obvious Normand knew his stuff. ... CALL NORMAND LAMBERT HOMES! You won’t be disappointed.”

– Erika K.

“Awesome builder and same as a person .”

– Jean H.

keep the project “moving forward.” One can do this by attaining references via local banks, social media sites, and trusted friends.

For those seeking to build custom, Normand would point out that the vision for the home is going to be unique to the client. It is important to find a builder who will constantly communicate. This ensures that the builder and customer stay on the same page concerning “all the selections.” Also, the builder should be someone who strives “not to limit the customer’s” imagination.

Normand’s home building expertise can be seen in more places than the job site, his family raved about all they admire in him. From fireside family time to day-to-day life lessons, his wife and daughters spoke profusely about how they have seen him serve his family and customers.

Wife Kimberly, owner of Gypsy Sun and Boutique in La Grange, says Normand serves his customers by working hard to get quality materials for his clients at a good price. In Normand’s own words, he “always tries to stay competitive without sacrificing quality.” Kimberly knows that he exercises this extra effort because he wants to see his customers’ ideas “come to life.”

Daughter Madison, highlighted her dad’s care for his clients as well. She shared that her dad is willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to overcome budget limitations affecting dream homes. She really drove the nail in with the hammer saying that “he will do everything possible to make sure these customers get what they want….”

Her older sister, Shelbie, was in complete agreement. She said about her dad, “He wants to give everyone what they want. He wants them to accomplish; to feel like they accomplish their dreams.” It is clear to her that her dad really understands the vital importance of the dream’s specific details.

Shelbie also reminisced about how rare it is to hear someone talking to their customers the way her dad talks to his. She stated, “My dad has made friends with every single person he has built for or done business with…to watch him talk on the phone with his client; it’s just something completely different….” He is “very personable.” Madison regularly sees her dad practicing a directness that solidifies his customers’ progress. She was emphatic in denoting him “a very, very honest man.…” She pointed out how open he is with his book keeping. Also evident is his transparency with customers around the possibilities for the house based on their desired maximum budget.

It seems that Normand’s daughters have both found level ground in their father’s encouragements about working hard. Daughter Shelbie, who is a busy mom and healthcare worker, remembered many discussions with her dad teaching her that “if you want something you gotta work hard for it.”

Normand practices what he preaches. His wife confirmed his work ethic in saying, “He wakes up super early, goes to work, and even at home; he’s still working until 9:00 at night for the customers….”

With such practices at work and at home, it is no surprise that Shelbie concluded her synopsis of her dad with a happy ending. With amazement in her voice she said, despite the obstacles he faced he “still managed to be successful.” That, dear Fayette County, is the happy story of the home builder who makes dreams come true: Normand Lambert.

Fireplace trends help create attractive, comfortable rooms

Fireplaces are useful features in a home. Fireplaces are sources of ambient heat and also add style to indoor spaces.

Fireplaces can complement just about any interior style. Fireplaces can be traditional and burn wood or connect to a home’s natural gas supply for on-demand ambiance. What’s more, fireplaces may come in vented or ventless varieties, depending on homeowners’ preferences and what is allowed by community building codes. That means a chimney or flue may not be needed — expanding the list of rooms where a fireplace can be installed.

Certain trends have emerged among fireplace fans in recent years. Here’s a look at what’s getting consumers fired up about these home decor elements.

Minimalist style: Many fireplaces are designed in neutral colors with minimal trim that directs focus on the fire and not the appliance. When the fireplace is not in use, it blends in with surroundings and will not compete for attention with other design elements.

Convertible fireplaces: Homeowners can choose between open or sealed fireplaces. A convertible fireplace enables homeowners to have the best features of these options. A convertible fireplace can be converted to wood from gas, or the opposite, in as little as 30 minutes.

Nature-inspired materials: Natural stone continues to be a material of choice in fireplace surrounds. Light colors work well for a fireplace, and also fit with today’s lighter color interior design preferences. Natural stone also works perfectly with both contemporary and rustic decor.

Vintage fireplaces: Vintage continues to be a buzzword, and the choice to go vintage also applies to fireplace styles. A room decorated in vintage elements can be complemented with a vintage fireplace or one designed to look vintage.

Integrate into wall decor: Fireplaces that are built right into a wall save space. One can have a television and a fireplace on the same wall. These types of fireplaces work well in modern home designs. Other fireplaces may be built into bookshelves or other wall features.

Fireplaces can improve the appeal of a home. Various trends are popular this year, making fireplaces highly coveted features.

It’s Time to Think About Planting!

Written by The Herb Society

For 28 years, the Herb Society of America’s Pioneer Unit has provided gardeners with plants familiar and new through its annual Plant and Gift Sale. The sale started as a small event held through the Round Top Inn and has grown to attract as many as 2,000 shoppers over its over two-day run. It was first held at the behest of the Inn’s owner, Sandy Reed, who wanted to increase visitors to her gift shop, where she also sold herbs. She approached legendary herbalist Madalene Hill, curator of the Macashan Herb Gardens at Festival Institute in Round Top; Hill’s daughter and business partner, Gwen Barclay; and the Pioneer Unit’s chair, Mary Reeves, proposing a herb festival with programs and meals at Festival Hill and the plant sale at her Inn.

When Reed moved on to other ventures, the annual sale was fully taken over by the Pioneer Unit and moved to the Festival Institute. At that time, members established the Thyme Well Spent Shoppe, which today features dried herbs grown by members, handmade soaps and ointments featuring healing herbs, herbed mustards and jams, and a wide variety of other crafts.

Garden gifts made by members are on sale adjacent to the plant sale, with miniature succulent gardens, planters, wreaths, birdhouses, and more.

However, it is the plant sale that draws in many shoppers during the third weekend in March each year. In its early days, the sale primarily offered herbs, with those coming from one or two growers. Today, the number of sources has grown to seven or eight, depending on the year, with those growers providing herbs, native plants, perennials, vines, and more. Shoppers can find a dozen different varieties of basil, mint, and rosemary, and herbs from artemisia to yarrow. Featured this year will be the Pioneer Unit’s herb of the year, parsley, one of the most underrated herbs in widespread use.

The annual plant and gift sale are the Pioneer Unit’s sole fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the Madalene Hill Pharmacy Garden at Festival Institute, a sensory garden located at Brenham Elementary School, college scholarships, and research in the Plant Systems Program at Prairie View A & M University.

The sale will be held Friday, March 17, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, March 18, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own carts or wagons, as it is a given that most will need one to carry all they find. Festival Institute is located at 248 Jaster Road, just north of Round Top, off Highway 237. You can find out more about the event at herbsocietypioneer.org/events or on Facebook at Pioneer Unit Herb Society of America.

Weise Farms Modern Day Meat Club Taste the Difference

Written by Becky Weise

Join Weise Farms meat club and receive first-in-line order fulfillment with discounts on same day in-stock meat purchases, and get free delivery or pick-up in Giddings & La Grange. We never use hormones or antibiotics, ever.

Do you really know where your beef comes from? Some jokingly say “The grocery store!” But what country does your meat really come from?

Back in the old days, farmers formed meat clubs and they would gather together once per month and harvest beef, pork and other meats. They took turns providing the animals and sharing the workload along with the bounty. They all knew where their meat came from. It came from “the country” and was raised just down the road.

Today, most people shop at grocery stores and they don’t really know where their meat comes from, or worse, they don’t even know what country their meat comes from because it is not currently required to list the country of origin on labels. Meats raised in other countries and sold in grocery stores are usually less expensive. Do you ever wonder why? What did those animals eat? How were they raised? What supplements were they given? Was the meat treated with any chemicals to kill germs? Was pink slime added to enhance flavor? These questions and many others make you also question if you really want to eat something that you know nothing about.

Most people who try our home raised, locally grown and processed ground Wagyu beef for the first time are blown away by the delicious flavor.

As a local farmer, raising high quality food has many challenges. It requires land. Farms and ranches that were once hundreds or even thousands of acres are becoming smaller parcels. The pressure to sell farmland comes from every angle. Phone calls and letters of tantalizing offers are heaped upon farmers and ranchers from strangers who want to buy our land (for a generous price) so they can divide the property into smaller ranchettes and sell each one for a ridiculous price. Drought, rising costs of diesel, feed, and other supplies are all part of the many challenges farmers face. And when times get really hard, we farmers question if we can hold on, not to mention compete with grocery stores who carry products far cheaper than we can raise them.

How can we reach the average person who buys from the grocery store instead of the farmer?

Weise Farms is bringing back “The Meat Club.” This modern day meat club subscription is just $45 per month, and you get five pounds of ground beef each month, with a same-day discount on any regular priced meats that are in stock at Weise Farms, and free delivery or pick-up at set locations in La Grange and Giddings. You will also receive first-in-line priority on other products as they become available. Your monthly meat club subscription brings predictability to your menu, while helping to keep our local farm sustainable. That’s a win-win for all of us! Subscribe

5 signs it’s time to renovate your home

Homeowners renovate their homes for a variety of reasons. Renovations can increase the value of a property and make homes safer and more comfortable for their occupants. Improvements also can be made to stay current with the times or to give a home a new vibe.

Statista projects $510 billion will be spent on home improvements in 2024. The home improvement market is generating significant revenue. In fact, nearly a quarter of Americans opting to renovate their homes will spend an average of $10,000 on their projects. According to a Home Stars Renovation report, 8 percent of Canadian homeowners who have renovated have spent more than $20,000 on a home improvement project.

Kitchens and bathrooms often get the most attention when it comes to home improvement. However, every room and space in a home may need a renovation at some point, and the following are five signs it’s time to renovate.

1. Age

The National Association of Home Builders states that 50 percent of U.S. homes are over the age of 40. That means that age alone could dictate a need to renovate, particularly if some materials are original to the home. For example, asphalt roofs typically last 25 to 30 years, while window frames can last 20 to 50 years depending on how well they have been maintained.

2. Inconvenient layout

Some homeowners scratch their heads when faced with awkward floor plan layouts. While one may live with the inconvenience for some time, typically a floor plan that isn’t working for the homeowner is a major driver of renovations.

3. Outdated looks

A home can look dated even if it is a relatively recent build. That’s because trends change quickly. For example, dark, cherry cabinets that were

popular just a little while ago have now been replaced by lighter color palettes. Homeowners whose homes do not match the looks emulated in design magazines may consider a change, particularly if they’re planning to sell soon.

4. Deterioration

Signs of water, storm or structural damage should be addressed as soon as possible. Any deterioration should be a strong indicator that it’s time to renovate.

5. Efficiency

Escalating utility bills could be indicative of an inefficient home. Homeowners can conduct energy audits and then improve the areas where energy loss may be occurring, such as windows, doors, siding, and insulation. Homeowners can renovate their homes when they see fit, but various signs may warn that it’s time consider updating or remodeling a home.

“Nearer God’s Heart In A Garden”

Written by Travis Odom, Owner

I started my first landscape business in Louisiana over twenty years ago. We both installed and maintained landscapes. In one of the first gardens that we cared for, I noticed a small placard tucked in amidst the perennials that read “One is nearer God’s Heart In A Garden Than Anywhere Else On Earth.” This struck me as an interesting statement as my chosen profession placed me in gardens on a daily basis.

The statement on the placard, I realized later was an excerpt from a poem by Dorothy Frances Gurney. It reads :

The kiss of the sun for pardon. The song of the bird for mirth. One is nearer God’s heart in a garden, Than anywhere else on earth.

The poem, as I pondered it on many occasions and in many other gardens, was comforting in a way, but more so intriguing. What makes someone feel that of all the places God is in the world, which is everywhere, why did this

poet and all of the other gardeners that bought and displayed the placard, and in doing so agreed with the poet that the garden was the place to go to be near or at least feel nearer to God THAN ANYWHERE ELSE, EVER! I mean, I think most people would, if asked the question, where do you need to go to feel close to God, would say church, or by the ocean, or maybe on top of a mountain somewhere. Why is it in a Garden?

I’m not absolutely sure what Ms. Gurney was thinking when she wrote the poem, but I have some of my own thoughts on the matter.

First, It is easy to see that God is an artist that loves diversity. There are millions of different varieties of plants that God has put on the Earth for us to share space with and enjoy. The blooms on some of them are more beautiful than even the most skilled painter can recreate. I think sometimes people get stuck in thinking we all have to act the same, think the same, and look the same to have value. And usually that value we place on people are the ones that

are most like us. But God shows us that real beauty is in diversity.

Second, plants reflect God’s economy of abundance. Within one particular fruit or vegetable, there may be hundreds or thousands of seeds to make abundantly more than to just replace the one fruit that was eaten. God apparently wants to multiply the good things that He creates to provide for us and the other sometimes unwanted pests in the garden. He enjoys giving to His creation in a big way.

And third, God allows us and encourages us to participate in His masterpiece by caring for what He has given us through watering, feeding, and sometimes pruning our plantings, and thereby teaching us what He does for us every day, whether we appreciate it or not.

So as we near Spring and witness God’s plantings come to life again after the bitter cold, spend some time in your own garden and listen to what the Master Gardener may have to say to you. Happy gardening!

of Thrive Landscape and Design

Spring is a season of rejuvenation, and perhaps nowhere is that rebirth more noticeable than in the yard. Each spring, grass begins to grow again as inviting landscapes beckon people outdoors.

Extra sunlight and rising temperatures make spring a great time to plant flowers, grasses and trees. To ensure successful planting, homeowners must take steps to prepare the soil. Healthy soil can provide the ideal conditions for roots to take hold, helping plants establish themselves before potentially harsh summer conditions arrive. Preparing soil might seem like an extensive job, but a simple approach may be all that’s necessary to create conditions that promote plant growth this spring.

Clean up the previous months’ mess. Whether homeowners live in regions marked by year-round warmth or places where winter typically features heavy snowfall, it’s a good idea to clean up an area prior to spring planting. Fallen leaves, rocks, grass clippings, and other debris can contribute to compacted soil that makes it hard for plants to establish strong, healthy root systems. Clear away any debris prior to planting before taking the next step in your soil preparation routine.

Loosen the soil.

Once debris has been cleared away, loosen the soil. Depending on the size of the area where you’ll be planting, you may need to invest in tools like a shovel, spade, spading fork, and/or a lawn edger. If you’re planting in a small area, such as a deck planter box that still has soil from last year’s planting inside it, you can either clean the box and replace the soil entirely or dig around with a handheld trowel, cultivator and/or weeder. It’s important to loosen all of the soil around where you will ultimately plant prior to planting to ensure water can reach the roots and help them establish themselves once planting is completed.

Test and, if necessary, amend the soil.

A simple pH test can help determine the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. This is an important step as soil that is too acidic or alkaline can decrease the availability of nutrients the plants will need to thrive.

In addition to conducting a pH test, which can be purchased at little cost at a local home improvement store, homeowners can contact their local Cooperative Extension Service to test their soil quality. These tests will reveal soil pH, but also can shed light on the texture of the soil and other components. Once the test is conducted, the local Coop Extension Service may recommend amendments to improve the nutritional quality of the soil so new plants can thrive.

Soil conditions go a long way toward determining if new plants will thrive. Preparing the soil prior to spring planting can ensure a successful season.

Healthy soil can provide the ideal conditions for roots to take hold, helping plants establish themselves before potentially harsh summer conditions arrive.

Build with Bill A Handyman that works harder and smarter

Written by William Sickon

Bill’s Barn La Grange looks forward to another year of living in and serving clients in the La Grange/Fayette County area. Many thanks to all of my clients from 2022. I sincerely appreciate your trust, business, and referrals. The goal this year, as with every year, is to work smarter and harder.

A first step with working smarter is to review my client’s to-do list before beginning a project. I learned a long time ago that it is always helpful for us to break down that list into categories of Wants and Needs. Bill’s Barn is always happy to tackle both sides of that list, but I break the project down to what is most important. By prioritizing the project, we can make the most of not just time but also the budget.

Getting to the root of any project can take time. If you choose to hire me, short cuts or covering up with another coat of paint will not suffice. My Bill’s Barn trailer is fully equipped with a variety of tools to address most areas of any home or building repair and remodeling projects. Working smarter and harder is reflected in the quality of the craftsmanship my clients enjoy for years to come.

Being a licensed and insured professional promotes the integrity of Bill’s Barn La Grange. That said, I enjoy that my clients put faith in my ability to bring their projects wants and needs to fruition. That’s when the project cycle becomes a full circle. The starting point is a contact form on my website and ends with the final billing. A simple contract laying out how billing is charged and for what services those charges are made makes it clear from the start of the circle that by hiring me, I am focused on the completion of your project. This definitely was an important part of my business relationship with some of my clients from this past year as I never met them in person. How do I know they were happy with their result? By receiving a wonderful thank you note along with their final payment. I do love a good review online, but a handwritten thank you note is by far the best form of appreciation.

2022 scattered my projects all over urban and rural Fayette County. From rebuilding peacock coops (which was more like a house!) to shoring up existing barns and tackling home inspection report repairs to remodeling a manufactured home, Bill’s Barn saw a great variety of projects. My favorite project would have to be the one where I discovered a red 1965 Oldsmobile 442. I had a lot of concerns about the structural integrity of the building. My client and I moved the car to keep it protected during demolition and reconstruction. Ultimately, we moved it on to a trailer that I brought home after having purchased the car. As much experience as I have with building and remodeling, I’m no stranger to mechanic work either. Getting Scarlet (my wife named her) back on the road was a fun project and she is a dream to drive. All in all, 2022 was very eventful. I addressed many safety concerns for my clients, helped them to better enjoy their homes and properties, and adapted homes to accommodate for easier care of their disabled residents.

Home and property values will always fluctuate and necessity of maintenance is unending. Let Bill’s Barn La Grange work smarter and harder for you and spend your 2023 enjoying a completed list of wants and needs for your home and property. Make that first step by filling out your contact form at www.billsbarnlagrange.com today.

How to create MORE PRIVACY on your property

An inviting backyard can serve as a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. After a long day at the office or an exhausting day spent transporting kids to and fro, it’s hard to resist the allure of a peaceful outdoor space in which to unwind. Privacy is a key component of any backyard oasis. Some homes may be so remote that privacy isn’t an issue. But many suburban homeowners recognize they might need to tweak their landscapes if they hope to create a private oasis outside.

Fencing or planting?

Most homeowners looking to create more privacy on their property will have to choose between fencing and planting. Fencing provides immediate privacy because, once it’s installed, no one can see into the yard. Fencing also doesn’t require watering or other immediate upkeep, which will be necessary when planting to ensure tree roots can establish themselves.

But planting has its benefits as well. Planting for privacy is essentially creating a living fence that can grow over time and provide even more privacy as trees reach maturity. Plants also tend to be less costly than fencing. The home renovation experts at BobVila.com estimate that fencing projects typically cost between $1,667 and $4,075. However, fencing projects can cost considerably more than $4,000, especially for homeowners with large properties they want to enclose. Large, mature trees can be expensive, though it’s unlikely they will cost as much as fencing. In addition, fencing requires more maintenance and will potentially need to be replaced, while native trees won’t require much upkeep and can last for generations.

Planting

Homeowners who choose to plant for privacy will next have to decide which type of plants to add to their properties. Evergreens provide

year-round privacy because they don’t shed their leaves, so these are the ones most often chosen when creating a living fence. A number of varieties of evergreen trees can do the job, but it’s important that homeowners consult with a landscape architect prior to choosing trees so they can ensure the trees will thrive when faced with the growing conditions on their properties. During such a consultation, homeowners may discuss the following popular privacy trees.

Leyland cypress: The Arbor Day Foundation® notes that the Leyland cypress is popular for hedges and boundaries, likely because a typical tree reaches a mature height of 60’-70’ and can spread as wide as 25’. The Leyland cypress grows fast, which may appeal to homeowners who don’t want to wait to establish privacy.

Green Giant Arborvitae: There are different varieties of the arborvitae, but the Green Giant tends to be the go-to option for privacy. The ADF notes that Green Giants will grow up to three feet per year until they reach maturity, providing a fastgrowing option for privacy planters. The Green Giant can spread as wide as 20 feet at maturity, which is another attribute that makes it so popular among homeowners desiring privacy.

Eastern White Pine: The ADF notes that the eastern white pine, which can reach heights as high as 80 feet, is favored in spacious yards. That’s likely due to its height and its potential spread, which can reach 40 feet. Homeowners who choose the eastern white pine might like it for its resemblance to a Christmas tree, and in fact it is widely used for that purpose. The privacy provided by the eastern white pine is significant, but it might be best suited to especially large properties.

Whether it’s fencing or planting, homeowners have many options to consider as they seek to create more privacy on their properties.

WITH ALL-SEASON ROOMS Let the Outside in

Many homeowners express interest in creating fewer barriers between the interior and exterior of their homes. Some may have backyards built for entertaining and want to facilitate the transition between the inside of the residence and the outside when guests arrive. In other instances, homes may back to a nature preserve that homeowners want to enjoy more readily. Whatever the reason for bringing the outside in, all-season rooms can serve as a welcoming bridge between indoor and outdoor spaces.

What is an all-season room?

Also known as a four-season room, all-season rooms are specially engineered spaces that provide a connection to the outdoors no matter the season. They are like sunrooms, but climate-controlled so that they will be comfortable throughout winter, spring, summer, and fall.

What is the difference between a three-season room and an all-season room?

The biggest difference between these two spaces is the level of usage and the capacity of the room to be heated and cooled. Individuals who reside in climates with moderate year-round temperatures may get by with a three-season room. However, those who experience all four seasons may need a more insulated space to make the room usable throughout the year.

Features of all-season rooms

One of the more notable features of an all-season room is an abundance of windows, which allow plenty of natural light to shine in. All-season rooms also can feature creature comforts like a reading nook, outdoor kitchen spaces and televisions. Retractable screens can be installed when privacy or shade is desired.

Maintaining a comfortable temperature

All-season rooms can be built with adequate thermal insulation and energy-saving features. Insulation will be installed in the walls and roof, and homeowners may have a choice of window ratings for efficiency. Some allseason rooms are specially equipped with HVAC systems that may or may not be tied in to the home’s general heating and cooling system. Some people use portable heaters or air conditioners to control the temperature in all-season rooms. It’s best to speak with an all-season room contractor to identify heating and cooling needs.

How much does an allseason room cost?

Prices vary by region and are contingent on the features homeowners desire. According to the outdoor resource Garden Center Care, a three-season room can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $50,000 to build. A four-season room can cost $20,000 to $80,000 to add. If there is an existing three-season room, it may be more affordable to upgrade the space into an all-season room, but an architect and contractor should inspect the space to determine the scope of the project. All-season rooms can be an ideal addition to a property, providing extra space for entertaining or lounging and a connection to the outdoors.

Give your home a new look with these beautiful shutter styles

Homeowners have many options at their disposal if they want to improve their homes. A focus on the exterior can be a promising and rewarding way to direct renovation dollars.

Curb appeal has a significant impact on how a home is viewed. Manicured landscapes, updated windows and doors and well-lit landscapes can improve the value of a home and ensure it sells quickly and above market rate.

When homeowners assess items they may want to change, shutters can be an area of consideration. Shutters can help windows look a little less plain. In most modern residential properties, shutters are purely decorative. However, their roots lie in home protection. Originally, shutters were used in lieu of windows so they were the only way to safeguard a home’s interior from the elements. Some shutters still offer that protection, but those typically are installed on homes in hurricane-prone areas.

Window shutters lend a finished and distinctive look to a home. When shopping for shutters, individuals can choose among various styles.

Louvered A louvered shutter features several wood slats that overlap each other on the same frame. A typical louvered shutter features two sets of slats separated by a center rail. Some functional louvered shutters are operational, meaning the slats can be tilted to allow air to flow through. But this is something typically reserved for indoor shutters. Decorative ones have fixed slats.

Panel Panel shutters come in different styles. Raised panel shutters present a boxed design where rectangular features will stand out from the rest of the frame. Flat panel shutters (sometimes referred to as shaker) have the boxed design, but those rectangles are not raised. Recessed panels are the opposite of raised panels. As their name suggests, recessed panels are set back from the rest of the frame.

Board and batten Board and batten shutters are formed from grouped single boards joined together with shorter crosspieces of wood called battens. Battens are positioned horizontally or at an angle. These shutters have a more informal, rural feel.

Bahama/Bermuda These tropical-inspired shutters are of the louvered variety, but they’re installed from the top of the window rather than on the sides.

Scandinavian Scandinavian series shutters are very decorative board and batten shutters. They feature a series of cutouts and designs.

Combination Some shutters offer the best of both worlds, with louvered on top and a solid panel on the bottom, or vice versa. This gives homeowners infinite options.

Shutters are available in various materials. The most common include wood, vinyl and composite. Cedar, mahogany and pine are commonly used woods for exterior shutters. Vinyl is more economical and lightweight, but they can be challenging to clean and do not offer the longevity of other materials. Composite shutters are durable and cost less than wood in most cases.

Color is another consideration when replacing shutters. Shutters can stand out or blend in with the siding and other architectural accents. Shutters also can flank a front door to fully complete an exterior look.

6 signs you may need a new HVAC system

There’s no place like home, especially when that home is a comfortable and safe haven. One of the ways residents find comfort in their homes is by maintaining the right indoor temperatures, which fluctuate along with the seasons. While there is much to be said about opening windows and doors to let Mother Nature do her thing, indoor comfort is often maintained with an HVAC system.

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It can include heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioning units. It is an automated system that works by adjusting a thermostat to regulate air temperature, and sometimes humidity, in the home. According to Enviguard, a commercial contracting provider, HVAC systems also may be used to improve indoor air quality through filtration and oxygen replacement.

As with any mechanical device, an HVAC system has a life span that must be considered. Should any of the following conditions be present, it is likely time to consult with an HVAC technician to see if repairs or replacement of the entire system is warranted.

1. Age

If the HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it could be time to begin budgeting for a new unit. Many modern, efficient systems may last 12 to 14 years with routine maintenance. But it’s good to keep an HVAC system’s age in mind so you can readily recognize when it might start to fail.

2. Longer or constant running times

An efficient, properly working system will quickly heat or cool the home and then turn off. A system that is turning on repeatedly or having to run for awhile before the set temperature is reached could be nearing the end of its utility.

3. Strange noises

Groaning, banging or loud humming noises should be addressed. While these noises may indicate that certain components need maintenance or replacement, they also could be symptoms of age and a system nearing failure.

4. Frequent repair visits

Knowing the HVAC company’s repair person by name is a sign that the system has required too much work in recent months. Repeated issues and repairs are probably signs that it’s time to consider a system replacement.

5. Higher bills

Sticker shock when receiving electricity or gas bills likely mean the HVAC system isn’t working efficiently and might need to be replaced.

6. Poor indoor air quality

If the home is dusty or humid or even if allergies seem to have cropped up out of nowhere, this could indicate a poorly functioning HVAC system. HVAC systems are vital to keeping indoor environments comfortable and safe. Such systems may exhibit certain signs that indicate they need to be replaced.