Your Next Home - June 2020

your

CHARLEVOIX

1 LEELANAU

M I C H I G A N

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

Mesick

Bear Lake

Manton

Irons Scottville Ludington Pentwater Hart

LAKE

OSCEOLA Evart Reed City

Baldwin

Big Rapids

Holton Whitehall Twin Lake

Fremont Newaygo

MUSKEGON

Harrison Clare

ISABELLA Mt. Pleasant

Morley

MONTCALM

Sparta Cedar Springs GreenvilleCarson City Rockford Belding

KENT

Casey Tennant Cheryl Staszczak 231-233-7613 248-805-3802

Dale Smith 231-794-9122

Heather Barker 231-510-5505

John Hanson 231-510-5543

Judianne Sibley 231-239-1333

Kayla King 231-887-0092

Kerri Mackey 231-510-8380

Lynda Beaton 231-383-0404

Michael Kruse 231-690-8882

Pam Weiner 810-841-8616

Shirley Barker 903-681-6102

Therran Ferguson 231-510-1790

Check Out Our NEW Website!

Save Your Searches!

Lightning Fast Updates!

Residential

■

Commercial

■

Rentals

■

Vacant Land

■

Waterfront

■

Farms

SEE OUR DIRECTORY ON PAGE 2 FOR A FULL LIST OF REALTORS AND BUSINESSES.

MIDLAND

Shepherd

Howard City Lakeview

Grand Rapids

Leah Gannon 517-607-5347

GLADWIN

CLARE Farwell

Mecosta

MECOSTA

White Cloud

Hesperia

Montague

McBain Marion

NEWAYGO

OCEANA

ROSCOMMON

Lake City

Cadillac

Manistee

MASON

MISSAUKEE

WEXFORD

MANISTEE

CRAWFORD

KALKASKA

GRAND TRAVERSE

BENZIE

OTSEGO

FREE

Traverse City

Next Home W E S T

ANTRIM June 2020

RECORD 1 A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE & BENZIE COUNTY Your Next Home • PATRIOT June 2020

St. Louis Alma Ithaca

GRATIOT

your

DIRECTORY

Next Home W E S T

M I C H I G A N

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

REAL ESTATE AGENCIES & REALTORS...........PAGE

Lighthouse Realty................................................................1 (Cover) Lighthouse Realty..............................................................................3 Lighthouse Realty..............................................................................9 Mason Oceana Manistee Board of Realtors............................... 11 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................... 13 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................... 18 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................... 23 RJ II Associates, LLC....................................................................... 24

HOME DECOR STORES

REDEEMED........................................................................................5

LUMBER COMPANIES

Carter Lumber....................................................................................7 Somsel Lumber............................................................................... 21

HOME CONTRACTORS

Ron Brown & Sons Inc.................................................................... 15

INSURANCE AGENCIES

State Farm Insurance Agency....................................................... 17

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Shelby State Bank.......................................................................... 19

ADVICE FOR THE HOME

Did You Know? - Lawns have different types of grasses.............5 Tips to prepare for your next big home project...........................6 Did you Know? - Recreational vehicles (RVs)................................7 Improve the environment with trees..............................................8 Did You Know? - Grubs....................................................................9 Preparing your home for the next natural disaster.................... 10 Creating your own backyard oasis............................................... 12 Protect your driveway from the elements................................... 14 Did You Know? - Outdoor living is popular................................ 15 How home design trends are evolving for social distancing... 16 Did You Know? - Flashlights are important................................ 17 Make cleanup fast and easy.....................................................18-19 You’ll love your composite deck.................................................. 20 Did You Know? - Searching for misplaced items....................... 21 How to build a more energy-efficient home this summer........ 22

2

Your Next Home • June 2020

Thinking Of Selling?

Contact a Professional,

“Dedicated to Producing Results”

Therran Ferguson Associate Broker

231-510-1790

Lighthouse Real ty 360 E. Parkdale Ave. • Manistee (231) 398-3800 June 2020 • Your Next Home

3

INFORMATION

Carter Lumber...........................231-757-9000 www.carterlumber.com Lighthouse Realty Manistee......231-398-3800 www.goLighthouseRealty.com Heather Barker......................231-510-5505 Lynda Beaton........................231-383-0404 Therran Ferguson..................231-510-1790 Leah Gannon.........................517-607-5347 Brenda Gauthier....................231-233-6378 Kerri Mackey.........................231-510-8380 Judianne Sibley....................231-239-1333 Casey Tennant.......................231-233-7613 Mason Oceana Manistee Board of Realtors...... www.momboard.com

REDEEMED................................231-887-4222 www.redeemedmanistee.com RJ II Associates, LLC...................231-398-9206

Ron Brown & Sons Inc...............800-968-2275 www.ronbrownandsons.com Somsel Lumber.........................231-362-3103 State Farm Insurance................231-723-9905 www.statefarm.com 4

Your Next Home • June 2020

Did You Know?

Many lawns contain a mixture of roughly one dozen types of different grasses. According to the lawn care experts at Scotts®, knowing which type of grass they have in their yard can help homeowners more effectively manage and care for their lawns. But with so many lawns containing a mixture of grasses, how can homeowners know exactly what’s making up that green carpet in their yards? Scotts® notes that lawns typically fall into one of two categories: warm-season grasses and coolseason grasses. Warm-season grasses are those that thrive in regions where the climate tends to be especially warm, such as the southern United States. Cool-season grasses

---------------

R

---------------

---------------

---------------

are those that are at their best in climates that experience extreme temperature fluctuations.

For example, cool-season grasses are most likely to be found in the northern United States, as much of this area of the country experiences cold winters and warm, and in some places very hot, summers. Homeowners who are uncertain about which type of grass they have can consult a lawn care professional for advice. Homeowners who learn which type of grass is in their yard can use that information to determine how frequently they should mow and water their lawns and which type of fertilizer is best-suited to their lawns.

R E D E E M E D Furniture, Decor and More!

Over 50 Vendors!

Stop In Today!

231-887-4222

172 Memorial Dr. • Manistee (Next to Family Dollar) June 2020 • Your Next Home

5

HOME The planning process is one of the most exciting parts of a home renovation project, and with social distancing keeping us indoors, now is the time to dream big and get ready.

Whether it’s a basement makeover, a pool addition or even building a new house from scratch, here are some tips to get started: 1. Factor in your lifestyle. Think about your priorities and lifestyle – do you work from home without a proper home office? Do you enjoy cooking and entertaining? Is your backyard living up to its potential as an extension of your home?

Asking these kinds of questions can help you determine the most beneficial focus for your next project.

2. Educate yourself. Take advantage of this extra time you have to learn about materials, processes and new innovations. You can make smarter purchasing decisions by finding out the answers to key questions, such as: Is this material moldresistant? How long will it last? Is this a passing fad or will it stand the test of time?

3. Consider sustainability. Products and materials that reduce your carbon footprint don’t just help the planet —they’re often better for your wallet, too. When doing your research, look for energy-efficient appliances, windows, walls and more to build a greener home that will last longer and save you money in the long run.

6

Tips to prepare for your next big home project

4. Disaster-proof your design. The pandemic has taught us that sometimes the worst can happen. From natural disasters to fires and flooding, we need our homes to offer as much protection as possible. Whether you’re planning an extension to your home, pools and spas for your backyard or a custom-built home, insulated concrete forms from Nudura are a smart investment. An eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials like wood, ICFs are disaster resilient, designed to withstand wind, fire, tornados, and more.

5. Budget for smart splurges and savings.

Budgeting is one of the most important parts of the planning process because you want to spend your hard-earned money wisely. You’ll want to splurge on items that will boost your property value, like energy-efficient features, creating more living space and a solid foundation. Upcycling and repurposing furniture, DIY-ing simpler projects like painting, and spending more on nicer hardware but less on cabinets are clever ways to save.

Find more information at nudura.com.

Your Next Home • June 2020

Did You Know?

Few things embody the spirit of the open road as well as recreational vehicles, or RVs. The mere sight of an RV traveling alongside them has inspired many motorists to plan their own road trips, and such road trips have only been made better by RVs. While they might seem like a relatively recent phenomenon, RVs actually trace their origins to 1910.

According to Go RVing®, an online resource for RV enthusiasts, the first modernized campers were built in 1910. While those campers were downright primitive compared to modern RVs, the latter would not be possible if not for the development and success of the former. Go RVing® notes that the 1913 Earl Travel Trailer

is an ancestor to the contemporary travel trailer, though people who see one today may mistake it for a modern horse trailer due to its appearance. Modern RVs come in all shapes and sizes, and travelers’ options in terms of amenities are endless. Basic RVs can be an ideal, no-frills choice for budget-conscious road trippers. For those who want all the amenities of home but the open road, too, luxury RVs, complete with high-tech indoor/ outdoor entertainment systems and stacking washer/dryer units that can put an end to vacation time spent at the laundromat, can make for the perfect vehicle.

At Carter Lumber in Ludington, we make the transition into a new home as painless as possible. We have years of experience helping new residents turn their new homes into the permanent home of their dreams.

For more information on how we can help you, visit us in-store or online.

Welcome to the neighborhood!

June 2020 • Your Next Home

From kitchen and bath designs to decking, we make the remodeling and building process easy.

We’ve been rooted in the community for decades and are proud to welcome you to our beautiful lakeside community.

7

HOME

Improve the environment with trees

Climate plays a deciding role when determining the appropriate planting time for a new tree. Newly planted trees do best when exposed to moderate temperatures and rainfall and they need time to root and acclimatize before the onset of intense heat and dryness of mid-summer or the freezing temperatures of winter. Spring and early fall are generally the best tree planting seasons.

• Appropriate soil temperature. Since warm soil promotes stronger and faster root growth, you should plant a tree when the soil temperature is over 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Dig the right size hole. A newly planted tree will do better in a shallow yet wide hole because new roots will grow horizontally from the sides of its root ball. If the hole is expansive enough, the tree will have plenty of room to stretch out its roots, encouraging it to grow at a quicker pace.

• Make sure the root ball is level with the soil.

Once the tree is removed from its container and placed in a freshly-dug hole, lay a spade or shovel across the top of the hole. This will help determine if the top of the root ball is level with the soil line. If the root ball is buried too deep or not deep enough, its roots will fail to establish, causing the tree to die within a month of planting.

• Backfill and hand pack the soil. After you 8

backfill the hole with existing soil, lightly handpack the soil around the tree. This will settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Refreain from tamping the soil with your feet as this could cause the tree to slowly sink in the soil and damage the root ball.

• Retain moisture with mulch. Cover the planting hole with a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch to prevent the tree’s roots from drying out. Make sure the mulch doesn’t touch the tree’s trunk. Due to its high level of moisture, mulch can cause a young tree to weaken and decay when in close proximity.

• Water your tree daily. Since trees should be watered slowly and deeply, you should water the tree for 20-30 minutes with a soaker hose by encircling the tree to saturate the soil.

Consider using root feeder to create deeper root development.

Your Next Home • June 2020

Did You Know?

Many an amateur landscaper has encountered grubs while tending to their lawns, but even the most attentive green thumber may have a lawn infested with grubs and not know it.

According to the pest and weed experts at Roundup®, grubs often go unnoticed until late summer, when they’ve already done substantial damage to a lawn.

Oddly enough, one of the telltales signs of a grub infestation is not the grubs themselves but the animals looking to dine on them. Fully grown grubs make

for hearty meals, so homeowners who notice raccoons, skunks, armadillos, and/ or birds digging up their lawns may have a grub infestation. That’s because these unwanted guests like to dine on mature grubs who have spent summer feasting on organic matter in the soil. Another sign of a possible grub infestation is a lawn that feels spongy when stepped on. Patches of dead grass that peel back easily are a sign that grubs have eaten the roots that keep healthy grass in place.

$179,000 • MLS#20012868 316 6th Street • Manistee

Just a mile from beautiful Manistee Lake Michigan Beaches! Completely remodeled home in 2018/2019 leaves the new owners with nothing to do but unpack and relax. All new replacement vinyl thermo windows, new furnace, new insulated doors, brand new roof, new bathrooms and fixtures, new plumbing, brand new kitchen and appliances, new flooring and so much more!

What more could you ask for? This large three bedroom home is situated in the heart of Manistee. Just a few short blocks from the schools and downtown. Home has large rooms and high ceilings making it feel spacious. No expense has been spared when it was redone.

Clean dry basement for additional storage.

Extraordinary Service In Every Price Range

June 2020 • Your Next Home

Kerri Mackey

Realtor (231) 510-8380 Mobile kerri@golighthouserealty.com

9

HOME We all want our homes to be safe, comforting spaces that offer refuge and protection from the outside world. The global pandemic has taught us this, as well as the importance of preparation – not just for illness — but also for natural disasters like fires, floods, earthquakes, and tornados.

Making sure your house is a secure and resilient structure is critical no matter where you live, as global warming has altered the climates and weather events of many regions. Fortunately, thanks to advances in design and innovative materials, building a stronger, disaster-proof home is possible.

An alternative to traditional wood-framing, Nudura insulated concrete forms are an excellent option many engineers and designers are turning to. The steelreinforced solid concrete cores range from four to 12 inches, providing far superior strength and safety compared to wood.

Meanwhile the non-toxic, fire-retardant expanded polystyrene foam provides a fire 10

Preparing your home for the next natural disaster

protection rating of up to four hours.

Homes built with these ICFs are proven to survive natural disasters — houses that faced Hurricane Michael in Florida and Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans are still standing. ICFs even offer wind resistance of up to 250 mph (402 kph), equivalent to an F4 tornado.

Homes that use ICF construction have other added benefits, including enhanced insulation for lower energy bills, a reduced carbon footprint, and improved ventilation for better indoor air quality and lower susceptibility to mold. Concrete forms also require less maintenance over time, saving you the expense and effort of continuous upkeep and providing additional peace of mind.

Find more information at nudura.com.

Your Next Home • June 2020

June 2020 • Your Next Home

11

HOME Our backyards are some of the best places to spend the summer months, especially if you’re practicing social distancing and are tired of being cooped up indoors. Fortunately, it’s possible to transform your outdoor living space into a secluded, open-air retreat.

Bring the indoors out. We often hear about bringing the outdoors inside, but the reverse is also true when designing a luxurious extension of your home. Homey, lived-in touches can take your outdoor space from sterile and unfinished to cozy and inviting. Think patterned throw pillows, fluffy blankets for chilly evenings, outdoor rugs, colorful lanterns, and decorative accessories like painted terracotta pots or metal tins.

Invest in comfy furniture. What’s the best part of your living or family room? Chances are it’s your comfortable couch or recliner. To recreate the same feeling, splurge on some soft furniture that will make you want to stay outside for hours reading a book or working remotely. It doesn’t have to break the bank either — you can DIY a cozy lounging bench with reclaimed wood and handsewn cushions with outdoor stuffing and fabric.

Add a relaxing pool or spa. Water has a calming effect and is often linked to our favorite 12

Creating your own backyard oasis

memories at the cottage or on vacation. A pool or spa can help transport you somewhere far away without leaving your home. A pool can help you and the kids get some exercise while swimming laps, while a spa can soothe tired muscles after a long day hunched over your laptop. To reduce energy costs and increase longevity, consider using Nudura insulated concrete forms, which provide superior insulation. ICF pools also can be custom-made to accommodate any design, making them a very versatile and efficient way to build pools.

Go wild with greenery. Live plants can help you feel connected with nature, and tending to them can help you feel relaxed yet productive during isolation. A vertical garden can add visual interest, while trees and shrubs can provide shade and character. Aromatic herbs like lavender or rosemary offer pleasant scents and can spice up your cooking. And don’t be afraid to cut some flowers from your garden to place in vases or pots for beautiful finishing touches.

Find more information at nudura.com.

Your Next Home • June 2020

Best Priced 39Waterfront condo!

Arthur St., Manistee 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths with Attached Garage and 40ft Boat Slip!

Newer Carpet and Paint, Smart Thermostat Private Balconies and Frontage on Manistee Lake

Offered At $199,900

100ft of chief Lake frontage With 32ft dock!

8458 Lyman Rd., Manistee

Heather Barker (231) 510-5505

2 Bedroom, 2 Bath home with Wrap Around Deck for nonstop water views!

2 Car Garage, Basketball Court and Fenced in Back Yard with Fire pit!

heather@golighthouserealty.com

Offered At $294,900

Manistee Lake VieWs and frontage coMPLeteLy MoVe-in ready great rentaL history

Casey Tennant (231) 233-7613

casey@golighthouserealty.com

55 Arthur St., Manistee

Glamorous 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath End Unit with 1,724 sqft Floor to Ceiling Windows with Private Balconies 40 ft floating boat slip with electric and Attached Garage

Offered At $234,900

June 2020 • Your Next Home

815 Dinsen, Manistee

Stunning 3 Bedroom, 4 Bath Home on .43 Acre Magazine worthy kitchen and living room Master Suite with Private Balcony Full Basement and Attached Garage Close to Country Club and 1st St Beach

Offered At $249,000

361 Third St., Manistee

Completely Refinished Duplex Both units are 2 Beds, 1 Bath Separate Utilities, Off Street Parking, Full Basement

Offered At $117,000

13

HOME Concrete and asphalt have long been used for residential and commercial driveways. Some basic preventative maintenance will ensure that your driveway lasts a long time, ultimately saving you money.

SEALCOATING YOUR ASPHALT DRIVEWAY • Think of sealcoating your driveway just like you paint a fence or siding to keep the weather from deteriorating the wood.

• Sealcoating seals the small cracks that can turn into large cracks, patches and rough spots.

• When newly applied, makes the surface look nearly brand new.

• Helps protect the driveway from the sun and harmful effects of chemical spills such as oil and gasoline.

• Acts as a waterproofing agent, preventing damage from freeze/thaw cycles which can cause cracks.

Protect your driveway from the elements

SEALING YOUR CONCRETE DRIVEWAY • Concrete has long been used for house foundations, driveways, porches, patios, sidewalks, retaining walls, sport courts and more.

• Moisture, water, mold, mildew and freeze/ thaw damage are all very detrimental to a concrete surface, therefore these surfaces need to be cleaned and sealed every few years to repel moisture.

• Clean with a pressure washer and quality concrete cleaner. Remove contaminants such as mold, mildew, grime, dirt and stains prior to sealing your concrete.

• Allow the surface to air dry for several days prior to sealer application.

• Leaves a smooth, clean surface ideal for sweeping which lowers cleaning costs

• Use a large brush, paint roller or sprayer to apply a consistent application of the sealer.

• All of these benefits apply to asphalt surfaces including sidewalks, paths, trails, sport courts and more.

It is always important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying sealers to your surfaces.

14

Your Next Home • June 2020

Did You Know?

Outdoor living is wildly popular, as more and more homeowners are bringing elements once reserved for home interiors into their backyards. When designing outdoor living spaces, homeowners may learn about biophilic design, an architectural concept that aims to incorporate natural elements into outdoor living spaces. Proponents of biophilic design say it satisfies an innate human need to affiliate with nature, thereby helping to reduce stress that people may experience

after being stuck indoors for much of their days.

Biophilic design is often part of a home interior design, but many homeowners also embrace it when designing their outdoor living spaces. For example, surrounding outdoor living areas with noninvasive plants, flowers and trees and using natural materials like wood and stone when building such spaces are great ways to embrace biophilic design and create a tension-free ambiance in outdoor living spaces.

FREE ESTIMATES ronbrownandsons.com P.O. Box 254 17443 Pleasanton Hwy. Bear Lake, MI 49614 Phone: (231) 864-2275 1-800-968-2275 Fax: (231) 864-3695 June 2020 • Your Next Home

15

HOME

How home design trends are evolving for social distancing

COVID-19 has brought changes to everything, and home design is no exception. Experts are expecting to see lasting impacts on everything from the materials we use to the rooms we prioritize. Check out these and other noteworthy trends: Houses over apartments: Many people who live in condos or apartments do so to be closer to the action — work, entertainment and shops — and never planned on spending much time at home. But the pandemic has changed that, and more people are going to want a home that offers plenty of room and outdoor space in case they need to self-isolate again.

Self-sufficiency: A hard lesson we’ve learned is that things and services we thought we could count on aren’t necessarily a sure thing, so items that increase self-reliance will become very popular. Expect to see more homes with sources of energy like solar panels, sources of heat like fireplaces and stoves, and even urban and indoor gardens that allow you to grow your own produce.

Outdoor living: Between playgrounds closing and parks becoming overcrowded, many of us are turning to our balconies, patios and backyards for fresh air and nature. This means we’re going to be investing more in our outdoor spaces, with functional kitchens, soothing water features, cozy firepits, and high-quality outdoor furniture to create a much-needed escape.

Healthier spaces: Thanks to spending more time indoors and reprioritizing our health, we’ll turn to design to help ensure our homes are safe and healthy 16

for our families. We’ll see a rise in products like water filtration systems as well as materials that improve indoor air quality. For new homes and additions, alternatives to wood-framing like insulated concrete forms from Nudura, which offer improved ventilation for healthier indoor air quality and an environment that’s less susceptible to mold, will be key.

Home office space: Business experts are suggesting many companies will see that working from home is not only possible but offers tangible benefits, like saving money on office space rent. With working from home on the rise, creating a home office space that inspires productivity will be a major project many of us tackle. Luxury home office furniture that feels chic and blends into your décor as well as ergonomic chairs and desks will see a major boost.

Custom and quality: With the hit to the economy, people are going to be buying less, but what they do buy will be better quality, while at the same time making an effort to support American businesses.

When it comes to design, trends will shift to locally made furniture, custom-built homes and pieces and materials that stand the test of time.

Find more information at nudura.com.

Your Next Home • June 2020

Did You Know?

A flashlight is an invaluable part of any disaster preparedness kit, and it’s a handy tool to have on hand in a car, at home or when traveling. You never know when you might need a flashlight, and it’s helpful to have many on hand. When stocking up on flashlights for emergency kits, choose ones with light-emitting diode, or LED, technology. According

to Popular Mechanics, LED flashlights are 70 percent more efficient than incandescent models. That means the batteries powering the light have the potential to last 10 times longer. Furthermore, LEDs do not have any fragile parts like incandescent bulbs.

That makes them more likely to withstand shock or even endure being dropped.

Give your home the protection it deserves.

Your home is where you make some of your best memories, and that’s worth protecting.

Mary Sturdevant Ins Agcy Inc Mary Sturdevant, Agent

I’m here to help.

LETS TALK TODAY.

306 Parkdale Ave Manistee, MI 49660 Bus: 231-723-9905 June 2020 • Your Next Home

17

HOME

A pressure washer is a versatile cleaning tool that will save you countless time and energy and does a fantastic job of boosting cleaning performance for a renewed sparkle to surfaces. The high pressure water stream generates a cleaning action to remove paint, mold, grime, dust, mud and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings, vehicles, fences, walks and driveways.

• Decades ago, people cleaned challenging surfaces with steam cleaners, sand blasters and chemical compounds. Pressure washers have replaced these processes and proven to be more effective.

Make cleanup fast and easy surfaces at a relatively much lower expense than replacement costs or restoration projects.

• Additional background about pressure washers: • Powered by either gas or electric motors.

• Mixes water and other liquids with compressed air to generate a powerful stream.

• Can be fitted with different types of nozzles that eject water in a fan pattern or a thin jet of water which spirals around rapidly. Some nozzles allow detergent to be introduced into the water stream to help with the cleaning process.

• Sometimes when repairing or restoring a

• A pressure washer refreshes and rejuvenates

HISTORIC LUMBER BARON MANSION The Noud House is a historic Lumber baron mansion. The past will come to life as you walk through this timeless home. This beautiful old victorian, brick home has 8-10 Bedrooms, 3 and 1/2 Bathrooms, 5 fireplaces, and original woodwork and hardwood floors throughout. The different parlors have different wood - maple, oak, cherry and the big pockets doors match the wood in that room. The Foyer displays the wide winding staircase and there is a rear staircase also. The formal dining room is great for entertaining. The second floor has the master bedroom with a fireplace, sitting room and master bath. There are 4 more bedrooms on this floor, most with walk in closets. The third floor has 4 bedrooms and the ballroom.

Enjoy your summers on the large porches close to downtown and the beaches.

$394,500 360 Parkdale Ave. • Manistee, MI 18

Shirley Barker 903-681-6102 shirley@golighthouserealty.com

Your Next Home • June 2020

surface, it is critical to remove as much grime and grease as possible to insure the best adhesion of new materials. • Pressure washing gets into the cracks and crevices and increases the cleaning performance.

REMEMBER: Be careful when using a pressure washer and keep in mind if held too close to a surface, the high velocity water jet can etch or damage surfaces. Be careful with the velocity when cleaning boats, washing vehicles, cleaning sidewalks or other surfaces. Start small and experiment with the amount of pressure when doing any pressure washer project.

June 2020 • Your Next Home

19

HOME When it comes to building a new deck, fence or dock, now more than ever, today’s busy consumers want something that’s low maintenance, high value and will last a long time.

COMPOSITE DECKING • This extremely durable material will stand the test of time, resisting splintering, splitting, cracking, warping, rotting and insect infestation while providing the look of real wood.

• Is made from recycled wood fiber and plastic polymer composition that may have otherwise ended up in a landfill.

• Easy to clean with mild detergents and water using a garden hose or pressure washer.

• Typically comes in a variety of colors including cedar, gray, redwood and rosewood tones.

20

You’ll love your composite deck

• This low-maintenance material never needs to be stained or treated, further reducing the cost to the consumer and toll on the environment.

• Quick and easy to install just like a traditional wood deck with standard woodworking tools.

• Offers high slip resistance and antisplinter technology for you and your family.

• Composite decking can be used to build fences, railings, benches, steps, caps, picnic tables and other outdoor solutions.

Supplying high quality and sustainable living solutions is just part of helping our planet.

Your Next Home • June 2020

Did You Know?

Who hasn’t been frustrated at one point or another searching for a misplaced phone or car keys? Looking for lost items has the potential to zap efficiency and waste a lot of time. A 2017 “Lost & Found Survey” by Pixie, a smart location solution for iPhones, says the average American wastes 2.5 days a year just looking for lost stuff. In addition, $2.7 billion is spent each year replacing misplaced items.

Items that most commonly go missing include television remotes, phones, car and house keys, glasses, shoes, and wallets. In addition to using tracking devices to keep tabs on commonly misplaced things, there are other steps people can take to avoid misplacing

their belongings. Create a designated place to store frequently used items. That means each day a set of keys should be taken and returned to a hook by the door or in a table in the entryway to your home. Remotes should be kept in a specific spot, too, perhaps right by the television or on an end table next to the couch. Avoid distractions as much as possible when handling these items, so you are certain you return them to their correct locations.

Plus, don’t be lazy. Placing items back where they belong each and every time instead of dropping them anywhere not only helps keep things from going missing, but also contributes to a tidy home.

POLE BUILDINGS Let Us QUote YoUrs Custom • Deluxe • Ag

Somsel Lumber Company Kaleva June 2020 • Your Next Home

231-362-3103

21

HOME

How to build a more energy-efficient home this summer

With weather forecasts calling for a warmer than normal summer and social distancing encouraging us to spend more time at home, we could all benefit from boosting our home’s energy efficiency to save on energy bills. Here are some big and small changes that could help: Start with a solid foundation. If you’re adding an extension to your home, a pool to your backyard or even planning a custom-built dream home, choose sustainable materials that promote energy conservation. Instead of traditional woodframing, consider insulated concrete forms from Nudura. The eco-friendly alternative features thermal mass walls that can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 60 percent a year.

Work on your windows. Did you know that about 15 to 20 percent of your home’s surface is windows? This means any issues with them can have a major impact on your energy consumption.

Take time to caulk any gaps or air leaks, and consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows.

Double-paned windows boost your insulation and help ensure your cooled, air conditioned air doesn’t escape.

Switch to outdoor energy sources. Take advantage of the gorgeous weather to spend more time outside. Instead of cooking meals in your energy-intensive oven that also heats up your home, break out the barbecue and enjoy dinner al fresco. You can also ease up on the clothes dryer 22

by setting up a line and some pins in the backyard and use the wind and sun for drying power.

Install a smart weather station. Technology can help you make sure you’re consuming energy wisely. A smart thermostat is a great idea, but a smart weather station can work with it and other devices to go a step beyond, programming them around current and predicted weather patterns. For example, it can ensure your scheduled sprinkler won’t go off in the middle of a downpour.

Be mindful of your refrigerator. If you aren’t careful, a lot of energy can be used by your fridge. First, make sure the one in your kitchen (and basement) is a newer model, as older ones can cost hundreds more a year to power. Then, clear it out so the shelves and drawers aren’t overcrowded, which makes the fridge work harder to pump cool air throughout. Finally, if you let leftovers cool on the counter before putting them inside, your fridge will use less energy.

Find more information at nudura.com.

Your Next Home • June 2020

You’re Invited to the Natural Wonder Lynda@golighthouserealty.com that is Pierport Shores!

Lynda Beaton

(231) 383-0404

Arcadia Township in northern Manistee County has plenty to offer, a world class golf course, deep water port in the village of Arcadia, rolling hills, nestled between two great resort areas, Onekama and Frankfort.

All lots are one acre in size. Another improvement? Natural gas is now available at the street for all lots.

A picture is worth a thousand words, but to see these in person will take your breath away!! Come see this unique 12 lot development on Lakeview Road in Arcadia and take advantage of the much improved (lower) pricing!

Lots 1-6 are $199,000 each. They include their individual private lake frontage on Lake Michigan.

Lots 8 and 9 have deeded lake access are now priced at $159,000.

Judianne Sibley Dedicated - Trusted Experienced

(231) 239-1333

Judianne@golighthouserealty.com

Price Reduction

Great Lake Michigan Frontage MLS #20017059

Undamaged 208’ even with high waters.

Beautiful View.

Sandy Beach.

Low Bluff

Price Reduction to

$395,000

June 2020 • Your Next Home

23

r e v o c s i D Retirement Living at

Manistee’s ONLY 55+ Active Adult Community Enjoy low maintenance living Custom open floor plan home designs

Models Open Daily Visit us on

956 Tennessee Ave., Manistee Off Eastlake Road • 1 Mile South of M-55

231.887.4512

www.thebluffsonmanisteelake.com 24

Your Next Home • June 2020