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WNCHomeowners.com Spring/Summer 2021

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HVAC • Home Management Services • Granite Countertops Plumbing • Post-Construction Cleaning • Pressure Washing • Furniture Electrical Generators • Landscaping • Water, Fire & Mold Restoration Homeowner’s Insurance • Hardwood Flooring... and MORE!

Helping to Make Your New Home Move-in Ready! Specializing in Post-Construction Clean-Up Services for new Homes or Those Under Construction

Our services include but not limited to: • Cleaning cabinets and drawers inside and out. • Cleaning counter tops and sinks, fixtures polished and removing labels or other packaging.

New home construction comes with lots of dirt, dust and debris. After the building is done, let us take care of the clean up so you can focus on what’s most important – enjoying your new home!

Mills River, NC 828-891-8800 www.cleanstreakinc.net

• Cleaning bathtubs, shower stalls, toilets, and shower doors. • Mirrors and all glass cleaned and polished. • Vacumming of all carpets. • Washing all windows, interior and exterior, and cleaning all tracts.

Serving Asheville, Hendersonville & surrounding areas

Whether you are a buyer, seller, or long term homeowner,

WNC Homeowners Resource Guide is the one-stop guide for all things home. The guide offers a comprehensive listing of local WNC service providers ready to help make your home its very best.

Connect with Local Home Furnishing and Service Providers Online at

WNCHomeowners.com

For Home Improvement Tips and More Information, Like Our Facebook Page! @WNCHomeowners

828-513-3888 323 N. Main Street, Suite 1 • Hendersonville, NC 28792

For WNC Homeowners Resource Guide Advertising Inquiries Please Contact: 828-513-3888 Info@HulseyMedia.com

PREVENT

WEEDS THIS SUMMER

Spring is here, which means that flowers and blossoms are in full bloom, and trees, plants and grass will be vibrant once again. But along with that wonderful spring renewal comes the return of unwanted growth in the form of weeds. However, if you prepare to stay on top of weeds now, you’ll have a much easier time fighting them this spring and summer. To start preparing your property against weeds, inspect these following areas to make sure they won’t be hospitable to them. Consult your local landscaping professionals as well, to come up with a detailed plan to prevent weeds. 1. PATHWAYS. Paths made from loose materials, such as bark mulch, decomposed granite or stones, can act as seeding beds, offering a natural spot for weeds to grow. Have weed preventer sprayed on these materials. 2. UNDERNEATH SHRUBS. Areas under shrubs can be hard to reach, shady and moist - a perfect place for weeds. 3. UNPAVED DRIVEWAYS AND PARKING AREAS. Whether grassy, muddy or filled with gravel, these areas often roll out the welcome mat for weeds. 4. CRACKS AND CREVICES. Cracks between paving stones, bricks or slabs of concrete provide natural entry points for weeds. If the weeds are not dealt with, roots can lift pavers or bricks, creating dangerous uneven spots while potentially ruining the clean look of your patio or walkway. Have a landscaping professional help attack these situations right away. 5. BENEATH DECKS. Despite sparse sunlight, weeds may still grow under decks.

6. AROUND DOWNSPOUTS. Weeds often thrive at the base of down spouts where moisture is abundant. Heavy rains can wash seeds from these weeds into other areas of your yard. 7. ALONG FENCES AND FOUNDATIONS. Often out-of-sight and out-of-mind, these areas are natural spots for weed build-up. 8. FRESHLY TILLED SOIL. Anytime you turn soil or an animal digs a hole, you expose buried weed seeds, creating an area to watch for new seedlings. 9. OPEN SOIL. Keep a close watch on your yard for dead spots or open areas. Fill them in as soon as you can, adding new plants, seeds or mulch. Bare spots in your property should be over seeded with desirable grass seed. In new plantings, cultivate often to uproot new weed seedlings. Contact your local landscaper or lawn care professionals to assist you in creating a blueprint for preventing weeds. They can also assist in many other ways to get your lawn ready for spring and summer and can make recommendations tailormade for your specific property and climate.

FULL SERVICE

GROUNDS CARE Why Choose The Grounds Guys® of Asheville? The Grounds Guys is a professional landscape management company— a dedicated group of horticulture enthusiasts, skilled landscape technicians and results-driven account managers committed to providing you with timely, reliable and thorough landscape solutions. Whether you want to have the most beautiful landscape in the neighborhood or a safe place for kids and pets to play, our lawn maintenance services can offer the solutions you need. Our team is recognized for putting customers first and caring for their lawns as if they were our own. As one of Lawn&Landscape’s Top 100 lawn care service companies, we take pride in what we do and truly enjoy it. We care about what we do, and it shows in the quality services we provide.

• Mowing, Trimming & Blowing • Sidewalk Edging • Bed Weeding • Shrub Pruning • Spring Cleanup • Fall Cleanup

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NEW YEAR, NEW FLOORING One of your home’s most noticeable design elements is actually right under your feet. Whether you realize or not, your choice for flooring has a critical impact on the entire look and feel of every room in the house. And with the new year on the way, it’s time for you to look at your flooring and see if a new style would be right for you.

Unlike a lot of other home projects, you can put in new flooring during the colder months. Refresh your floor style with some of these ideas:

Go with a lighter hardwood. Wood floors will never go out of style, but lighter-toned hardwoods with smooth, matte finishes are becoming more popular. 4-5-inch widths are also popular. Choose a natural finish. Natural finishes for wood floors are also rising in popularity over stained wood floors. To achieve the natural look, the wood is oxidized with minerals that react with tannins in the wood to create color. Gray is here to stay. Gray is a popular color in home décor, and gray wood flooring is no exception. Shades of gray run the gamut, from light gray, to driftwood to darker rustic hues. Gray wood floors look great in a kitchen, especially when paired with white cabinetry. Hardwood in bathrooms. Many homeowners are also opting for hardwood floors in bathrooms, especially a distressed or antique look that adds a unique warmth. If opting for

hardwood in the bathroom, it’s a good idea to finish floor areas where puddles may form – such as outside of the shower or tub – with tile. Blend with dark carpeting. Dark colors are popular in carpeting – colors such as black, charcoal, or jewel tones like ruby red or emerald green. These rich colors play well with warm woods when used for stair runners or area rugs in bedrooms and living spaces. Opt for low-profile, patterned carpets over thicker, shag varieties.

So, while you’re spending time indoors this winter, focus on the flooring and play with some of these style ideas in your head. Consider refreshing your flooring in the new year to give your home a style boost and contact your home contractor or local flooring company for samples and more great ideas.

The Premier Hardwood Flooring Company of the Southeast

Hardwood Flooring Made Easy. WWW.FLOORSNC.COM 1154 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

CREATE A STYLISH HOME OFFICE

IN A LIMITED SPACE With more people working from home and the trend expected to continue, many who’ve been co-opting the kitchen table are looking for better ideas. From designers focused on meeting this need, here are four simple and workable ideas that won’t break the bank:

Create a moveable work zone. Turn the

area behind your sofa or in a corner of your bedroom into a comfy work space by day that knows its place in the evening. Start with a lightweight, sit-or-stand desk (many are now available at office furnishings stores) that can be moved out of the way after the work day. A flexible wire shelf unit installed along one wall can hold supplies, such as notebooks, pens and a printer, and you can roll your desk and chair right up against them when it’s time to replace the coffee cup with a glass of wine.

Clear out a closet. The closet in a second bedroom can easily house a hideaway office. Install modular wire shelving along the back wall, add a desk and some extra interior

lighting and keep your office behind closed doors. A rolling desk chair or a balance ball can provide comfy seating, and a small bookcase can easily accommodate files or surplus supplies.

Go for invisible. In the living room, you can create a low-profile office with a glass topped, Lucite or acrylic desk that won’t dominate the space. Even go for a slimline desk you can spray paint to blend in with the wall behind it and use existing bookshelves in the room to hold your printer and supplies. Use a room divider. Carve out a corner of your living room or bedroom for a small but usable office and conceal it from view whenever you wish. With a stylish, standing room divider or a curtained “wall” strung onto a rod with shower hooks, you can span the width of the space as you desire. Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2020. All rights reserved.

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REMODELING ON THE RISE IN 2021

The strength of the current housing market—combined with continued working and schooling from home for many—is sparking an increase in home improvements and repairs. Whether you’re planning to sell your home or adapting it to better suit your family’s needs and tastes, the time is ripe for remodeling.

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According to a recent report, the “Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity” (LIRA), released by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Har vard University, annual gains in spending for improvements and repairs to owneroccupied homes are expected to increase slightly this year, from 3.5 percent at the close of 2020 to 3.8 percent by year-end 2021. The LIRA provides a short-term outlook of national home improvement and repair spending to owneroccupied homes. As Chris Herbert, managing director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies says, “The remodeling market continues to benefit from a strong housing market. In addition to routine replacement and repair projects, homeowners are likely to pursue more and larger discretionar y home improvements this year as the broader economy recovers.” The most popular improvements on the docket this year for homeowners include projects that make life more efficient and enjoyable, such as: UPDATING THE KITCHEN. While a full kitchen remodel may not be within your budget, you can still modernize your kitchen by replacing the floors or backsplash. Painting kitchen cabinets is an inexpensive way to give your kitchen a design refresh, or invest in a new appliance or two to instantly improve functionality and add value. ADDING A DECK OR PATIO. More attention is being given to outdoor living space than ever before. Extend your family’s living area by installing decking or creating a spacious patio. Outfit your new outdoor space with comfortable patio furniture, a fire pit, water feature, kitchen set-up and more. CREATING AN EXERCISE SPACE. Many have taken their exercise routines out of the gym and into the home, so car ving out a functional, designated space to work out is a popular home-improvement trend this year. Whether it’s a corner of the basement or unused space in your garage, designing an area specifically for fitness is an on-point trend. Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2021. All rights reserved.

property caretakers that give owners peace of mind & freedom from worry. Home Watch Home Management Rental Property Assistance & More The leading nationally accredited & certified home watch company in all of WNC! #04190068

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Your Home is Your Heart: A Customer’s Experience with Champion Comfort Experts Lori Williams-Whitson, resident of Hendersonville has been using Champion Comfort Experts as her home service provider for five years now and only sings their praises. In a recent interview about the company she said, “If you live in Western North Carolina and want a company you can trust to take care of your home, you can find a friend in Champion.” It speaks volumes to Lori that Champion is active in her community. They truly are a company in the community for the community. As a homeowner with various products installed and maintained by Champion, Lori is confident that no matter what technician comes to her home, she can expect the same top-notch service each and every time. One of the aspects she values most is the way that Champion communicates with their customers. “They send texts to let you know they are coming, along with a photo of the technician to expect. I know that when I call Champion that they will take care of my house, leave it cleaner then when they came, and it’s going to be an overall good experience for me. That gives me comfort.” One of the greatest values that sets Champion Comfort Experts apart from other home service providers is their MVP Protection Plan. Every home needs a champion to take care of both the major and minor league issues that can happen with your electrical, heating, air or plumbing systems. As an MVP member,

Lori says, “Being a part of the MVP plan, just gives us a peace of mind that things are going to be taken care of. It also gives us some extra perks – and everybody likes a little extra perk – so we don’t have to worry, everything in the home is taken care of under that plan.” Everything from tankless water heaters to generators, Champion has all the bases covered. Your home is your heart, right? You have sacred memories held between those walls and so when something puts that comfort and safe haven at risk, there is a certain type of urgency required. Champion Comfort Experts understands this better than anyone else. As a family-owned business for more than 14 years, they understand the importance of making home safe. That’s why they provide the care and customer service they do. “It’s nice to be able to call Champion and talk to a live person who lets you know that it will be okay, and they come take care of the issue in an instant. It’s just a really comforting thought. I absolutely recommend Champion Comfort Experts because of the experience we have had, the trust and the security, and the overall service we get. Why wouldn’t I recommend them?”

Comfort and security can be right around the corner for you as well. This is the Champion Way, No Excuses.

MVP Protection Plan: Services & Benefits Preferential Pricing on Repairs and Service Fees

Value Priceless

System Analysis & Safety Check: Furnace or Heat Pump

$129

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Complimentary Plumbing Evaluation

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Auto-Filter Delivery Program *Must Opt-in*

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Priority Service

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Chore of Your Choice Need a small task done? Let us help!

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Dedicated Phone Number When you need us, you’ll have a direct line to call.

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Extended Warranty Maintenance Verification

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$89

AC Check-Up But remember, when you sign up on the MVP plan, you’ll get those check-ups at no charge to you.

(828) 388-7055 | Visit CallChampion.com

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4 ITEMS YOU MAY WANT TO INSURE BEFORE MOVING

Even when everything goes according to plan, moving is pretty much guaranteed to be a stressful process. If something gets lost or damaged, however, it’s only going to get worse. That’s why it’s important to make sure that certain luxury items are insured before they’re packed and transported to your new home. While homeowners insurance will usually cover you in the event of a break-in or natural disaster, such as a fire or hurricane, you could still be liable for anything that happens while moving. Moving companies, on the other hand, can be held liable to replace or fix a damaged item if you purchase full-value protection, though you’re not guaranteed to receive full compensation because you’re usually only covered up to a certain amount. For items of extraordinary value, which are defined as being worth more than $100 per pound, it can be a good idea to purchase separate insurance to cover you while moving. Here are a few items that luxury homeowners frequently opt to add coverage to.

JEWELRY

ARTWORK AND ANTIQUES

TECHNOLOGY

For a valuable art collection, it’s quite common to purchase property insurance in addition to your homeowners policy. Even if you’ve already done this, though, you’ll want to check and see if it covers moving, as it’s entirely possible that damage that occurs in the back of a truck is not included.

A state-of-the-art home entertainment setup, complete with an ultra-high-definition television and high-fidelity audio system, can easily set you back tens of thousands of dollars. These items are far from indestructible, but they are replaceable. With insurance, you can enjoy peace of mind should anything happen en route to your new abode.

Perhaps the easiest item to “mysteriously disappear,” it’s always important to take proper precautions with your jewelry collection when moving. Be sure to have highvalue pieces appraised beforehand and, for items that are truly irreplaceable, you may want to hire a special jewelry shipping service, or carry it with you.

WINE All it takes is a bump in the road or a slam on the brakes, and a rare bottle of wine could be lost to the move. Hopefully, you won’t find yourself unpacking any winesoaked boxes at your new home, but, given the fragile nature, it’s smart to insure a valuable collection.

Let us protect what you value most. AUTO | HOME | BUSINESS | LIFE | FARM

Contact me today to get started. GREGG ARVEY Arvey Insurance Agency, Inc. 1506 Spartanburg Hwy. Hendersonville, NC 28792 (828) 693-9990 arveyg@nationwide.com Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and affiliated companies. Columbus, OH. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2017 Nationwide 5145677

BENEFITS OF INSTALLING A TANKLESS WATER HEATER

You might think the old water heater in the garage is fine – after all, you’re able to take hot showers and those things are expensive to replace. But as is the case with most appliances and electronics, modern technology can create massive improvements. This goes for tankless water heaters. They take up less space, are leak-free and can save you money on your water bill.

Top benefits of taking the tankless plunge include: SAVING MONEY ON YOUR ENERGY BILL If you’re going to shell out money for a new water heater, you better be getting some back, right? Well, a tankless heater will save you from constantly heating and reheating water. With a conventional water heater, the hot water is stored inside the tank. In theory, this keeps a ready supply of hot water on hand for immediate use, but in fact the hot water just sits around when not being used. After some time, the heat will dissipate, and the water heater will need to reheat the water all over again. And guess where this waste of energy shows up? On your utility bill. NO LEAKAGE Leakage is one of the biggest problems with conventional water heaters. No matter the model, they will begin to leak eventually, as they are being constantly filled and drained of water every day for years. Because the tankless heater doesn’t store water, it won’t have any to leak.

YOU WON’T RUN OUT OF HOT WATER A tankless water heater doesn’t store hot water for later use. Instead, a tankless water heater only produces as much hot water as a person needs. In other words, when the hot water faucet is turned on, the tankless unit provides the exact amount of hot water dispensed until the faucet is turned off. You can leave the hot water faucet on for hours and the tankless water heater will continue providing hot water. So, you’ll never need to worry about running out during a shower or conserving so someone else in your home can take a hot shower after you. SMALLER FOOTPRINT One of the best things about a tankless water heater is how little space they take up. A tank water heater can take up an entire utility closet or feet of space in your garage. On the other hand, standard tankless water heaters are generally no larger than a computer tower.

When it comes time to replace your water heater, tankless ones are your best option. If you’re tired of running out of hot water, having higher bills and dealing with messes, contact your plumber to install one today.

HE’S AN EXPERT

• Complete plumbing repairs • Clogged drains/Sewer cleaning • High Speed Drain Cleaning • All Plumbing Fixtures & Devices • Hydroscrubbing • Relining & Pipe Coating • Trenchless sewer & water line replacement • Electronic video camera

HE’S PROFESSIONAL • Fast service 24/7

• There’s a reason they call us Mr.* • Know the price before we start • Fixed right the first time • Clean service professionals • Scheduled appointment times • Workmanship & parts guarantee

Petrified Wood Stone, one of nature’s miracles, adds breathtaking beauty to your home. Stone Connection Granite Interiors, Local, Personalized Service: 1) Meeting your schedule Stone Connection abides by the creed “If we say we are going to be there, we better be there.” They understand the intricacy of a builder’s schedule and know other trades are depending on their promptness. 2) Making you look good Quality is of utmost importance at Stone Connection. Their shop uses a digital templating system along with a Slabsmith program making it possible for the homeowner to see what their countertops will look like before they are cut, and utilizes CNC machinery with old world, handpolished craftsmanship. 3) Doing the job right Their quality is unmatched and comes with a guarantee of 1/16th inch seams and 1/32 inch leveling. Stone Connection installers are dressed in uniform, conduct themselves in a professional manner and don’t leave until the job is done. They are fully insured and carry workers compensation. All work comes with a lifetime guarantee on both materials and craftsmanship.

4) Equipping you Stone Connection insists on educating homeowners on all of the options available for a project, including the pros and cons of each choice. Every job includes a Welcome Home Package, with stone cleaner, instructions for maintenance and cleaning guidelines. 5) Caring about the community Stone Connection makes it a priority to be environmentally friendly. They recycle 100% of the water used in their shop, use LED lighting, run energy efficient machines, promote using environmentally safe chemicals and cleaners, replace cardboard and plastic templates with digital templates and do not put their trash stone in the landfill. Because they are a part of your community, they care about your community.

Call (828) 692-0451 to experience the benefits of working with a family in your community.

STONE CONNEC TION GRANITE INTERIORS, INC.

417 Kingdom Place • Zirconia, NC 28790 (828) 692-0451 • www.scgigranite.com Pictured– Petrified Wood by Concetto

DESIGNING THE

P E R F EC T

OUTDOOR KITCHEN

Spring is right around the corner, so now is a perfect time to start planning the outdoor kitchen you’ve always dreamed of. If you love cooking and entertaining outdoors, you’re in luck. With these following tips and the help from your local outdoor design company, your outdoor kitchen will be in full swing by summer. START FROM THE GROUND UP

A show-stopping outdoor kitchen needs a quality stage that can stand up to heavy foot traffic and everyday kitchen mishaps such as dropped utensils or spilled sauces. High-performance, wood-alternative decking is durable and easy-to-maintain – just a simple soap and water cleaning can take care of any common party foul. It delivers the natural aesthetic of wood without the back-breaking and time-consuming upkeep, so outdoor chefs can focus on what they love most – preparing delicious meals.

FACTOR IN FUNCTION

Plan for adequate storage to eliminate back-and-forth trips inside your house. From pull-out trash bins to hidden ice chests for chilled drinks, find cabinetry that provides indoor convenience outside. You can even get customized cabinets for televisions and entertainment systems.

SHINE SOME LIGHT

Double the time spent enjoying your outdoor kitchen by installing adequate lighting for cooking and entertaining well after sundown. For safety measures, put task lighting over countertops used for slicing and dicing, as well as near stovetops and other appliances that use heat or flame. To set an understated, sophisticated mood, add ambient lighting where your family and guests will wine and dine.

THINK BEYOND THE GRILL

While outdoor cooking once meant a basic grill and a bag of charcoal, today’s outdoor kitchens are more elaborate and equipped than ever, featuring a range of appliances including professional-grade cooktops, refrigerators, sinks and dishwashers, as well as specialty features like brick ovens and fully stocked bars. Grills, too, have been upgraded to handle more than steaks and burgers – think whole turkeys, smoked meats and rotisseries. Your appliances will determine the outdoor kitchen dimensions, so consider how the appliances you want will fit within your design.

CREATE COMFORT

To welcome and accommodate your guests, your outdoor kitchen should be inviting and have ample seating and bar areas. For added comfort, integrate interior-inspired accents like decorative cushions and pillows made of weatherresistant materials. Additionally, your outdoor kitchen should incorporate enough counter space not only for food prep and serving, but also for creating a communal environment so guests can chat with the chef. By working with the professionals and using these tips for inspiration, you’ll be hosting an awesome outside soirée as soon as the weather turns warm.

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BRING IN THE NATURAL LIGHT WITH THESE HOME FEATURES There’s no substitute for natural light. It makes your home feel more uplifting and energized, which is why it’s usually atop the list of requirements for luxury homebuyers. While tall ceilings and oversized windows are sure to let the sunlight pour in, here are a few features that ensure you’ll have an abundance of natural light each day. SOLARIUM

ATRIUM

A solarium is like having a greenhouse connected to your home. The walls and ceilings are often designed entirely with glass and are heated by the sun, but can still get comfortably warm on a winter day. They’re ideal for growing plants that require a full day of direct light and provide an idyllic spot to soak up the sun while doing yoga, curling up with a book or just hanging out with the family.

An atrium is a space within your home that’s either open-air or covered with a glass ceiling. While relatively rare in private residences, they add a striking element to any interior and allow natural light to flood into the center of the home. Originally, they were designed to increase ventilation in houses and are becoming popular once again thanks to sustainable movements, like biophilic design.

SUNROOM

RETRACTABLE GLASS WALLS

Sunrooms are also usually built with glass walls and ceilings, but unlike a solarium, they’re integrated with your home’s heating and cooling system. A major advantage is that this is more of a four-season room that you can enjoy day or night. However, a sunroom requires high-performance glass to retain heat and air conditioning, otherwise, you’ll likely rack up a hefty energy bill.

Of course, nothing beats a retractable glass wall to let the light pour in. On warm, sunny days, you can easily open it up to let the outdoors inside and bask in nature from the comfort of your living room. Compared to the other options, this is the most practical to add to your home for more natural light without undertaking a major renovation project. Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2020. All rights reserved.

Make Your Home’s Property Look New Again!

BEFORE

AFTER

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Select the Right Tree “This is an excellent time of year for tree planting,” says Molly Hall, executive director of the Energy Education Council. “With some research and preparation, your tree will be a healthy and beautiful addition to your home for years to come.” One of the first considerations is the purpose of your tree. Will your tree be needed for shade, a windbreak, or beauty? These considerations will affect what tree is suitable for you, and where it should be planted. Dense evergreens provide a good wind block, while leafy deciduous trees provide shade in the summer. No matter what purpose the trees will serve, it is always best to choose native trees. They require less maintenance and will live longer. You can get more information about native growing trees from a regional university Extension resources. In addition, the Arbor Day Foundation has a free tree wizard tool that will help you select the best tree for your needs. It is available at www. arborday.org/shopping/trees/treewizard/intro.cfm. The next step is to decide where you will plant your tree. For a windbreak, plant trees to the north, northwest, and west. For shade, plant trees to the east and west of your home. Remember that fast-growing trees are more brittle and likely to be damaged in a storm. Plant these trees farther from your home to protect your home from damage.

If you live in an area that is prone to wildfires, there are additional considerations to help keep your home and community safe. It is recommended that you limit the flammable vegetation and material around your home for at least 30 feet on all sides. Contact your local fire department for more information. Also be sure to select planting locations that will not interfere with your utility lines or power poles. Power outages or interruptions occur when trees and branches come into contact with overhead lines. Electrical arcing and sparking from a wire to a nearby branch can cause fires. Tall growing trees with a mature height of greater than 40 feet should be planted 50 feet away to avoid future pruning. A mature height of less than 25 feet is recommended for trees planted near power lines. Keep in mind that trees should never be planted directly under power lines, near poles, or too close to electrical equipment. Tall growing trees near power lines must be pruned to maintain a safe distance from the wires. If you have trees that are growing into power lines, contact your electric provider. Never try to prune them yourself. Before planting, take proper precautions to stay safe. Be sure to call 8-1-1, the national “Call Before You Dig” number, a few business days before you want to plant. It is a free service that gets your public underground utilities located and marked, so you can dig safely away from them. Or, contact your local landscaping or lawn care company, and they will be able to help you plant your trees.

Source: Energy Education Council

How to Maintain and Care For Hardwood Floors Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition that raise home value and last a lifetime. In order to ensure your hardwood floors pay back their investment, it is important to clean and maintain them properly. These tips will help you reduce the risk of damage and enjoy immaculate hardwood flooring for years to come.

Daily Care Hardwood flooring requires daily care to stay in top condition. These chores can be done quickly in your spare time throughout the day. A dry microfiber mop is the best way to pick up fine hairs, dust, and dirt. Microfiber draws small particles into the cloth, so it is ideal for preventing a buildup of dust and fine debris. A broom can be used to sweep up larger messes and dirt that collects around doorways. After sweeping, follow with the dry mop to ensure the floors are completely clean. It is important to complete these daily care steps to prevent scratches resulting from dirty floors. Vacuuming Hardwood Floors Once or twice a week, depending on your needs, run a vacuum over your floors to pick up dirt you might have missed with the dry mop. Be sure not to use a vacuum with the beater bar down because this can scratch and damage floors. Opt for a soft brush attachment instead. The wheels of the vacuum can also affect the hardwood, so a lightweight weight vacuum is a good option. Mopping Hardwood Floors After running the vacuum, wipe over the floors with a wet mop. Avoid using too many cleaning products on your hardwood because it can leave behind a residue. The floor should only be slightly damp as you use the wet mop. Be careful to avoid using too much water when mopping to avoid floor damage. For this reason, twist mops and steam mops are not generally recommended.

Spot Cleaning For spot cleaning, wipe up the mess with a damp microfiber cloth. Wipe up excess water after the area is clean. The area between planks can be cleaned with a small toothbrush to scrub away dirt that collects in the cracks. Don’t forget to clean corners and areas the vacuum can’t reach. Protect Flooring In addition to cleaning, you need to take some precautions to protect your hardwood floors. Avoid walking on your hardwood floors while wearing dirty shoes. Adding door mats are a good way to prevent dirt from being tracked inside. You should also use protective caps or padding under heavy furniture. This will protect the floors when the furniture needs to be moved and it also prevents denting. Devoting some time to daily care and cleaning will keep your hardwood floors in top condition. Take some measures to protect your flooring from excess dirt being tracked in and use padding beneath heavy furniture. Proper hardwood care will ensure your floors retain their quality and decrease chances of damage.

GroveManorFlooring.com

FLOORING FACT:

CARPET IS THE LARGEST FILTER IN YOUR HOME THAT IS HARDLY EVER CHANGED.

Help reduce allergens, dust & germs in your home this allergy season by installing quality hardwood flooring. (828) 595-5566 | Info@GroveManorFlooring.com Downtown Hendersonville in the Old Federal Building By Appointment Only 140 4th Ave. W., Suite 207

SELLING A HOME?

CHECK YOUR PLUMBING If you’re selling your home, your to-do list is likely stacked: find a REALTOR®, get an inspection, make needed improvements, up your curb appeal, and the list goes on. Another important facet to keep in mind before listing is to make sure your plumbing is up-to-date. “When selling a home, you’re going to find each buyer’s home inspector will examine some of the same items,” says Max Rose, owner of Four Seasons Plumbing. “It can be a worthwhile investment to make some repairs to strengthen a home’s appeal to potential buyers and give sellers more negotiating power.”

Rose recommends sellers evaluate the state of the following items:

WATER HEATER

WATER PRESSURE REGULATOR

TYPE OF PIPING USED

“Each buyer has their own deal breakers, but if you’re finding that the water heater is coming up as a common strike point on a requested repairs list, it might be worth it to install a new one,” Rose says. “Having these issues come up on a buyer’s home inspection is only going to add to the stress of selling your home.”

LEAKING PIPES

Before listing your home, reach out to your local, trusted plumber for a full inspection of your plumbing and water heating systems. They can help recommend what improvements to make now, and what can wait for the new owner. Talking to a plumber will also give you peace of mind before your home’s inspection.

The water heater is one of the more common big-ticket repairs that can arise from a home inspection. If the water heater is on the older side, a buyer may request it be serviced and flushed, if not replaced entirely, as a condition of going through with the home purchase. Some older homes are plumbed with piping and/or fittings that have been recalled or had class-action lawsuits filed against the manufacturer. If your home has these materials in them, there is a good chance a potential buyer will want it replaced. If the home has a crawl space, it can be relatively easy to check for leaky plumbing. If there are leaky pipes, that could be a red flag for the seller. Depending on the age and material of the pipes, fixes may range from a patch to whole replacement.

One point of a home inspection is to check the water pressure. If the pressure comes back high, that can be indicative of a larger (and costlier) problem.

Ready To Respond To Your Plumbing Needs Serving WNC with a full range of quality professional residential and commercial plumbing services

• Commercial construction / plumbing service • Residential construction / plumbing service • Water Heaters • Water Filters • Gas Piping

• Fixture Installation

• Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling

Family Owned & Operated for over 40 years 828.693.1007 925 Greenville Highway Hendersonville NC 28792

www.summeyplumbing.com

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