Fall Home Improvement 2016

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September 24, 2016

Welcome

It’s that time of the year again when residents of northeast Indiana start preparing for the winter and all it might bring and hopes for a fresh start next spring.

In this special section you will find timely information on making improvements to your home in the fall of the year.

There are many things you can do, like painting and a variety of other projects. Also, this section will provide

helpful information on specific projects and how to choose contractors, which is an important part of any home improvement or even new home build.

In addition to many informative stories, you will find helpful advertising messages. We hope you find these messages informative, too, and visit these area business for the products and services they provide.

This section may also be found online at KPCnews.com.

Tracey Robideau

Fall Home Improvement

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September 24, 2016

Right tools lead to good painting results

BY JEFF JONES jjones@kpcmedia.com

Choosing the right paint color is an important step in any project, but having the right tools and knowing how to use them is even more important, according to Sheila Baysden, co-owner of Donaldson’s Ace Hardware in Butler.

Before beginning an interior painting project, Baysden said the first step is to make sure the walls to be painted are cleaned. She recommends using a phosphate-free cleaner that won’t counteract the paint to be applied.

After that, Baysden said to fill nail holes and finish patching before sanding the walls. Sanding, she explained, prevents flaking and helps the paint adhere better, especially to a surface already covered with a semi-gloss paint.

Brushes and rollers are essential painting tools. Baysden recommended using 100 percent polyester brushes.

These help to prevent stripe patterns often made by cheaper paint brushes.

In her experience, Baysden said it is best to focus on one wall at a time. Do the trim and painting on a single wall before moving to the next one. An inch and a half brush often works best for trim work, she said.

When painting a wall, Baysden said it’s best to use long strokes in three-foot by three-foot sections. Start with a V pattern. Follow that with a side-to-side stroke and then an up-and-down stroke to ensure coverage. She explained some paints recommend using such stroke patterns.

When painting a bare surface — dry wall, wood or metal — “always use a primer coat, even when you are using primer/paint combinations,” Baysden said. “It’s still important to do that priming step. The big box stores won’t See PAINTING page 6

JEFF JONES

Sheila Baysden, co-owner of Donaldson’s Ace Hardware in Butler, holds a selection of paint brushes beside several paint cans. Many paints include instructions for proper coverage.

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AG offers tips against home improvement scams Home improvement scams happen, the Indiana Attorney General’s Office says.

Sometimes a scam artist will just show up at your door. It’s commonly referred to as a door-to-door sale and it’s a favorite among bogus home improvement operators. Seniors, those who live alone, and victims of weather-related disasters are common targets.

When to be skeptical: • The person at your door notices that your roof (or another area on your house that is hard to check) needs repair. He may trick you into signing a contract without disclosing all the charges.

• He says he just finished work on your neighbor’s house and has just enough materials to do repair work on yours. He might say he can give you a better bargain if you let him do the work today since he has the supplies now.

• The contractor is pressuring you to accept an offer.

Finding a contractor: • Take your time. Don’t let the contractor rush your decision.

• Do research. Know how much you can afford and what you want done.

• Contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and the Better Business Bureau for complaint information on contractors you are considering.

• Talk to your friends who used this contractor. Did they like his work?

• Opt for a local, well-established contractor. Don’t assume that an ad makes the contractor reliable.

• Compare bids and services. Be skeptical if the bid is too low. Cheaper is not necessarily better. A contractor with a low price may be inexperienced and unable to finish the work for the bid amount.

• Get bids in writing. Does the bid reflect the improvements you discussed?

How long will the project take? A detailed, written proposal allows you to shop around.

• Is the contractor licensed, bonded and insured? Licensing requirements vary from community to community.

Check with your city or county building department to determine the licensing requirements for your area and if the contractor you are considering is

properly licensed, bonded and insured.

Before signing the contract, get: • A written contract. Indiana law requires home improvement contracts exceeding $150 to be in writing.

• Price of the job.

• The payment schedule.

• A detailed description of the work and materials (including colors, brand names and patterns).

• Estimated start and completion dates.

• The contractor’s name and address.

• A name and telephone number of the person to contact if problems arise.

• The contractor’s signature.

• Never pay for the entire project before the work begins. Do not pay more than 1/3 of the total cost as a down payment. Remaining payments should be tied to completion of specified amounts of work. Don’t fall for them.

After signing the contract: • Is a permit needed for your home improvement? Many localities require permits for building projects. Contact your local building department to see if a permit is needed. A contractor should not

start work until the permit is issued.

• Don’t make the final payment to the contractor until you know that all subcontractors and/or suppliers have been paid.

• Get written proof of payment.

Subcontractors and suppliers may file a mechanics’ lien against your home if they haven’t been paid.

• Get a copy of the warranty. If a contractor guarantees labor and/or materials, those warranties should be in writing.

• Keep all records related to your project. This includes the contract, change orders, warranties and correspondence. These records are important, particularly if you have a problem with your project. Even if precautions are taken, problems may arise. Take time to talk to your contractor to resolve these issues.

• If problems continue, put your complaints in writing and send them to the contractor. Be sure to keep a copy of these complaints for your records.

For more details, visit. IndianaConsumer.com

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PAINTING From page 4

tell you that either.”

If you use a roller to paint, Baysden recommends a quarter-inch NAP roller for a smooth finish or a three-eighthsinch NAP roller for a semi-smooth, textured finish. Many hardware stores, including Ace in Butler, offer specific rollers for the desired finish.

Cleanup when using latex paint means soap and warm water for the hands, but Baysden said to use warm water only when cleaning brushes.

She said to use your hand to stroke the bristles clean of paint. If you plan to use brushes or rollers with the same color the next day, place them in a baggy in the refrigerator. An hour before you plan to paint again, take them out so they can come up to room temperature. “Brushes can last a long time if they are properly cared for,” she said.

“We try to tell customers the right way to paint,” Baysden said. “A lot of people don’t know how to paint. If the end result is flaky paint, it means the surface wasn’t prepared right in the beginning.”

September 24, 2016

Follow these tips when building Building a home can be an exciting time for you and your family. Asking the right questions before signing any documents is essential to finding the perfect home, says information from the Indiana Attorney General’s Office.

Do your research first and avoid falling victim to home building scams.

Taking the steps below will help you feel better about your new home and ensure that it meets the standards you expect.

• Hire your own inspector. Find an inspector that has a good reputation and who will conduct a thorough inspection.

Any offer or contract should be contingent upon (or subject to) a whole-house inspection with a satisfactory report.

Get a right-to-inspect in your initial purchase agreement. Consumers using a home builder may use the inspectors, mortgage company or title company of their choice.

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• Research your area’s building codes.

Research your area’s building codes and certificate of occupancy requirements (remember, some municipalities do not require an inspection prior to move in).

Most new homes must also receive a certificate of occupancy. Request to see your certificate. You can also find the certificate at the city inspector’s office.

• Decide on a mortgage that fits your needs. Consider different types of mortgages available to Indiana residents.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Lenders have different rates and percentages for adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) and fixed-rate mortgages. If the rate per month sounds low, the lender may expect the consumer to pay higher closing costs and/or points before negotiations are signed and delivered.

• Do a final walk-through. The walk-through is usually conducted just

prior to finalizing your home purchase with the builder. This is a time when you have the opportunity to closely scrutinize the home. You should be observant, carefully examining all surfaces, fixtures, floors and walls for possible damage.

During this walk-through, you should write down a checklist of all the items that need repair before you move in. Do not agree to close until all items on the checklist have been corrected unless you are willing to do them yourself. Keep a copy of the checklist for yourself.

If you feel you have been a victim to home building scams, please contact your local homebuilders association and file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

For more information and tips on buying home visit here. To file a formal consumer complaint against a home builder call 800-382-5516 or visit IndianaConsumer.com.

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September 24, 2016

Fall Home Improvement

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Turn yard waste into gardener’s gold — compost

BY MELINDA MYERS

Save time and money by turning landscape trimmings into a valuable soil amendment.

The idea is simple, just collect diseaseand insect-free plant debris into a heap and let it decompose into a fine, nutrient rich material that helps improve the soil.

Don’t add meat, dairy, invasive plants, weeds that have gone to seed or perennial weeds that can take root and grow in your compost pile.

Speed things up by layering yard waste with soil or compost, adding a bit of fertilizer to each layer and moistening to a consistency of a damp sponge. Further speed up the process by making the pile at least three-feet tall and wide.

Turn the pile as time allows, moving the more decomposed materials from the center to the outside of the pile.

It’s a great work out and speeds up the decomposition. The more effort you put into composting the sooner you have rich organic matter for your garden.

Build the pile in a location that is convenient for adding raw materials and harvesting the finished compost.

Consider placing the pile near a water source to make moistening the pile easier.

Avoid poorly drained locations that may lead to the pile of compost becoming waterlogged. Soggy materials break down more slowly and may smell.

Enclose the pile in a bin to keep the process neat and tidy. Purchase a compost bin or make your own from fencing, concrete reinforcement wire or old heat-treated pallets.

Single bin wire composters are easy to assemble and move. Enclosed bins keep materials out of sight and neighbors or less enthusiastic family members happy.

Look for bins of sturdy UV resistant materials, ventilation for efficient composting and designed for easy loading and unloading.

Tumbler composters are great for small See Compost page 9

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Tumbler composters are great for small spaces and make loading, unloading and turning much easier. The closed system also keeps out rodents, wildlife and pets.

Help Keep Yard Waste and Kitchen Scraps out of Landfills and Waterways Enrich flower and vegetable gardens Improve the soil around trees and shrubs Enhance the soil in house plants and planter boxes with Compost!

What is compost?

Much of the yard waste and kitchen scraps that we collect and drag to the curb every week can be put to better use as compost. Compost is a rich dark humus, an end product of the natural decomposition of plant and plant products under controlled conditions. Composting is a practical and convenient way to reuse your lawn, garden, and kitchen wastes.

Leaves, grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, crushed eggshells, tea bags, coffee grounds, and even coffee filters are all items that can be used to make compost, while reducing waste in landfills.

Compost can be used to enrich flower and vegetable gardens, improve the soil around trees and shrubs, and enhance the soil in houseplants and planter boxes.

Composting is a complex feeding pattern involving hundreds of different organisms, including bacteria, fungi, worms and insects.

What remains after these organisms break down organic refuse is the rich compost that nourishes lawns and gardens.

The benefits of using compost

Homeowners often have difficulty disposing of leaves, grass clippings and other garden refuse. In many states, it is illegal to dump lawn waste in landfills, and disposing of it in storm drains, lakes, rivers and streams clogs drains and pollutes water.

Instead of filling landfills and polluting local waterways with this waste, citizens can benefit from it. Backyard composting of organic waste creates natural soil additives for use on lawns and gardens, and used as potting soil for house plants. These are some other benefits of using compost: • Improved soil texture • Increased soil aeration • Suppressed weed growth • Improved water absorption

• Decreased soil erosion • Less need for commercial soil additives • Helps prevent soil compaction

Make your own compost pile

Build your compost pile on soft soil or a pile of tree limbs to improve drainage. Boards, chicken wire or other materials can be used to make side frames to help hold the pile together if space is limited.

Build successive layers of leaves, grass clippings, vegetable scraps, and other green matter. For more rapid decomposition, chop and mix components together.

Cover layers with 1-2 inches of soil or manure.

During dry weather, keep the pile moist. In cold winter months, cover the pile with black plastic to insulate and shed excess water.

Aerate the pile by inserting a vertical pipe.

Mix compost with a pitchfork after six weeks. This helps aerate the pile, and keeps the bacterial processes from overheating.

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To achieve the healthiest compost, you will need the right mix of ingredients. Here are some ideas for ingredients to include and those to avoid: Stuff to include Stuff to avoid • Grass clippings and leaves • Diseased plants • Fruit and vegetable scraps • Human and pet waste • Tea bags and coffee grounds • Chemically treated wood products • Fireplace ashes • Barbecue grill ash • Vacuum cleaner lint • Meat and fish scraps and bones • Straw/hat • Oils and other fatty food products • Wood chips and sawdust • Milk products • Shredded newspaper • Pernicious weeds

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September 24, 2016

Here are some home improvement projects for your fall to-do list METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Homeowners know that maintaining a home can be a year-round job. No home is immune to wear and tear, and homeowners who want to protect their real estate investments should try to stay two steps ahead to ensure their homes do not succumb to the elements or become outdated and unappealing to prospective buyers.

Fall has become a season that’s synonymous with home improvement, but homeowners need not wait until the leaves begin changing colors to start planning their next projects. The following are a few items homeowners can add to their fall home improvement to-do lists.

Roof inspection Less precipitation tends to fall during the warmer months than during the late fall and winter. As a result, homeowners may not be aware of leaky roofs until autumn has come and gone. But waiting until winter to inspect the roof can prove disastrous, as weather conditions will not be conducive to inspection and increased precipitation may result in

potentially costly damage. Leaky roofs can be easily identified by looking for water stains on interior ceilings.

Once you see a stain, you can climb onto the roof to identify the location of the leak and fix it before winter rains and snowfall turn the problem into something much larger. Inspect your ceilings for signs of leaking after a strong rainfall, and then address any leaks immediately.

Gutter cleaning While some homeowners prefer to delay their gutter cleaning projects until late fall, those whose homes are surrounded by trees may need to schedule two such projects. Gutters clogged with leaves and other debris can cause serious roof damage, and that damage can extend all the way inside a home. In addition, clogged gutters make great nesting areas for insects or critters.

Always stand on a ladder when cleaning gutters, wearing gloves to remove METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION items by hand and dropping leaves and Autumn is a great time to inspect patios that might have endured some wear and debris into a trash can below. Standing tear during the heavy usage seasons of spring and summer.

See TO-DO LIST page 9

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September 24, 2016

COMPOST From page 7

spaces and make loading, unloading and turning much easier. The closed system also keeps out rodents, wildlife and pets.

Add garden waste, keep it consistently moist and give it a turn. Continually adding fresh material slows the process, but you will still end up with good compost. Speed up decomposition with two tumblers. Fill one tumbler with plant waste and let it cook, while collecting fresh materials in the second.

And don’t let cold temperatures or a lack of space stop you. Everyone can convert kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost with the help of red worms.

Convert a plastic container filled with shredded paper into a home for the worms and place to recycle plant based food scraps. Or dress things up with a stylish bin and move the worms indoors for convenient recycling.

Add finished compost to your vegetable and annual gardens every spring to help build healthy soil and a productive and beautiful garden. Or spread a one-inch layer over the soil surface of perennials gardens every year or two to keep your flowers looking their best.

As you clear out the summer garden, put all that green debris to work. Convert it to rich compost for next year’s garden.

Then enjoy the many benefits it will have on your landscape.

Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything: Food Gardening For Everyone” DVD set and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV and radio segments.

Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine.

Myers’ web site is melindamyers.com.

TO-DO LIST From page 8

on the roof and leaning over gutters greatly increases your risk of injury.

If the gutters are clear when you first examine them in early fall, you can wait until later in the season to give them a complete and thorough cleaning. Once you have finished clearing the gutters, you can use a hose to run water through them and the downspouts to confirm everything is functioning properly.

Window and doorway inspection Before temperatures start dropping once again, homeowners will want to inspect their windows and doorways for leaks. Over time, cracks can develop around windows and doorways, and while such cracks are rarely noticeable when the weather outside is warm, they can be quite obvious and very costly if they remain unsealed come the start of winter. Cold air can enter a

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home through cracks around windows and doorways, and many homeowners who don’t suspect leaks may respond by turning up the thermostats in their homes. That can prove quite expensive over a full winter. Choose a windy autumn day to place a hand by windows and external doorways in your home to see if you can feel drafts. If you can, seal these cracks as soon as possible.

Patio cleanup Patios are popular hangouts during spring and summer, and that can result in a lot of wear and tear. Once you store patio furniture for the winter, inspect your entire patio to determine if it needs any refurbishing. While certain patio projects may be best left for spring, you can still clean any stained areas around the grill and look for cracks in the sidewalk that need to be addressed.

Preparing for fall home improvement projects ahead of time can help homeowners complete projects in a timely manner and ensures they won’t be forced to brave the winter elements when refurbishing their homes.

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What to look for during roof inspections METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Inspect a roof each fall to get an idea of the potential damage and any necessary repairs that may be needed before nasty weather sets in.

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Cold weather can be tough on a home, and perhaps no part of a home is more vulnerable to harsh winter weather than its roof.

Fallen snow can equate to several pounds of pressure placed on a residential roof. Roofs do not often collapse under heavy snowfall. But adverse winter weather conditions can compromise roofs in other ways. Water leakage and damage to the roof’s interior are just two of the potentially problematic issues that can arise when roofs are battered by cold, blustery weather.

That’s why many home improvement specialists advise homeowners to conduct roof inspections prior to the start of winter.

Many homeowners can conduct their own cursory roof inspections, but they may not know exactly what to look for. The National Roofing Contractors Association says that there are certain key areas to inspect that may reveal some telltale signs of roof damage.

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weather can test the strength of even the most durable roofs. Even though many roofs are designed to last up to 30 years, some may need to be replaced early, particularly when they have been exposed to harsh weather over a period of years. Individual shingles can be replaced as spot treatments, but if the damage is widespread, a new roof may be necessary.

• Attic leaks or water elsewhere might signal issues with the roof.

Figure out if water inside the home is coming from the roof. Water stains do not always indicate problems with the roofing, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

• Look for protective granules wearing off. If gutters are filled with the sandy granular material that coats roofing shingles, that may be a sign of an aging or damaged roof.

• Inspect flashing. Professional roofers can recognize properly installed flashing, the material that connects the roof to other parts of the house that adjoin the roof, like skylights or a chimneys. Poorly installed flashing can cause leaks. Stains that appear below chimneys or near attic windows may indicate new flashing, and not new shingles, is needed.

• Gutters and downspouts should be in good condition. A roof is the sum of its parts, and that includes downspouts and gutters. If the gutters are clogged or damaged, they cannot direct water away from the house properly. Snow, leaves and other debris needs to be cleared from gutters to help them function at optimal capacity.

• Animals and insects can cause damage, too. It’s not just poor weather that homeowners need to consider with regard to roof damage. Boring insects and animals may cause problems with roofs as well. A roof inspection may shed light on potential pest problems.

Holes or nesting materials may indicate that an animal or animals are using the attic as a shelter from the elements.

Get to the root of issues with your home’s roof before they become bigger problems once winter arrives. A thorough inspection can reveal problems that may prove costly if ignored.

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September 24, 2016

Fall Home Improvement

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Here are three potential trouble signs for driveways METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Though they are often easy to overlook, driveways are durable parts of a home that can greatly impact a home’s curb appeal.

Driveways endure quite a bit of wear and tear over their lifespans, and homeowners who have not given their driveways much thought may want to start looking for potential trouble signs that indicate a need for some driveway maintenance.

According to the online home improvement resource HomeAdvisor.com, the

average cost of a driveway installation in 2015 was just under $3,700. Those costs are influenced by a host of factors, including the size of the driveway and the material it’s made of. Damaged driveways do not necessarily need to be replaced, as some may just need minor repairs. But homeowners who see any of the following trouble signs in their driveways may want to consult a professional contractor to determine what their next steps should be.

Potholes Potholes might be most often associated with heavily trafficked roadways, but even driveways are susceptible to potholes. As the ground beneath the driveway expands and contracts, the pavement above that ground weakens and becomes more susceptible to damage. That damage may ultimately lead to large chunks of the driveway breaking down, creating holes as a result. Homeowners who live in areas that experience heavy snowfall may see

their driveways develop potholes after they are shoveled or plowed. Potholes that are not fixed may damage vehicles that drive on the pavement, and potholes may even expand over time.

Accumulation of water Puddles that form during a rainstorm may not be indicative of anything other than a rainy day. But water that pools or See DRIVEWAY page 12

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Surface cracks in a driveway may indicate a problem that requires immediate attention.

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Fall Home Improvement

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September 24, 2016

Budget your home improvement projects METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Home improvements can add value and aesthetic appeal to a home.

However, to reap the rewards of a remodeled room, home addition or any home improvement project, homeowners will have to invest both their money and their time. Establishing a project budget can be helpful and prevent overspending.

According to Visually, a marketing information service, nearly half of the homeowners surveyed said the cost of their renovation projects did not exceed their budgets. However, more than one-third of those surveyed reported going over budget on their projects.

To keep costs down, consider hiring a contractor.

DRIVEWAY From page 11

runs down the middle of the driveway may indicate drainage problems. Such problems may be the result of structural problems with the slope of the driveway, which can cause bigger issues down the road. When water is not absorbed into the ground or directed away from your home, it can then flow into the house, potentially making your garage or home susceptible to water damage.

Cracks Cracking is one of the more noticeable

He or she will have industry contacts and may be able to get materials at a lower cost. While you will pay for labor, working with a contractor greatly reduces both the time spent on the project and the risk of costly mistakes being made.

In addition, think about the way you finance the renovations. Industry experts have found that homeowners who finance their home improvement projects with lines of credit end up spending more money on average than those who use their savings to fund projects. While it may be tempting to take out a line of credit for a home improvement project, spending only money you already have may be the more responsible route to take. issues that can plague driveways. Many driveways experience cracking as materials inevitably succumb to the elements.

Driveway cracks may develop for various reasons, including poor initial installation.

Tree roots that grow beneath the driveway surface may also contribute to cracking as the driveways ultimately succumb to the pressure created by the growing roots.

Some cracks may prove less problematic than others, but homeowners should still speak with a contractor if they notice their driveway is starting to succumb to cracks.

Driveways may not draw the attention of homeowners too often, but damaged driveways that go ignored may ultimately lead to very costly problems.

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September 24, 2016

Fall Home Improvement

13

Your guide to proper tree pruning METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Trees may require pruning for a variety reasons. Storms may have damaged branches, necessitating a pruning. In other instances, trees may have outgrown their yards, overpowering the landscape.

Autumn and winter, when trees largely go dormant and fallen leaves make it easier to see the branches beneath, may be prime times to prune. Pruning during the dormant period also minimizes sap loss and stress to the tree, and can help cut down on the growth of fungi. In addition, insects are less likely to be problematic during the colder months of the year.

Trimming and pruning can be handled by do-it-yourselfers if the branches are smaller and more manageable. Practice on thinner branches before moving on to thicker ones, which may require extra help. Branches may be heavy, and it takes a guided hand to ensure the branches fall in a safe manner so they do not cause damage or injury.

Branches also need to be trimmed properly to facilitate good healing. Trees will form a callus bark covering over cuts to keep out disease and decay, much as a scab forms over a person’s wound. Damaging the bark on a tree while pruning may interfere with that process, so do-it-yourselfers need to take the

time to prune correctly.

According to Danny Lipford, home improvement expert and host of the radio program “Today’s Homeowner,” larger limbs may require three cuts instead of one. The first cut is a small notch in the bottom of the limb, around two to three feet from the trunk and about one-quarter of the way through.

This helps prevent the bark from splitting. A relief cut is then made a few inches away from the notch cut, and goes all the way through.

This removes the weight of the branch so that the final cut can be made without the branch splitting and falling. The final cut is made right where the limb extrudes from the branch collar, or the swollen bump that then forms into the tree limb. Follow the slant of the branch collar when making the cut. Smaller or thinner branches may not require the same three steps, but every effort should be made to reduce injury to the tree.

When deciding how much to prune, less is usually more. All pruning can put some level of stress on the tree and increase its vulnerability to disease and insect infestation. A good rule of thumb is to never prune more than 25 percent of the crown. According to experts at TreeHelp.com, living branches should

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Pruning is a job that may be tackled by do-it-yourselfers, but sometimes larger tasks are best left to a professional tree trimming service.

comprise at least two-thirds the height of the tree. In some instances, the rules may need to be bent if trees are interfering with utility lines or to meet community laws. However, always prune minimally to avoid damaging the tree.

The right tools also make the job safer and easier. Use a pole pruner and lopper, rope saws, folding pruner, and a bucksaw.

A chainsaw can be used in some instances, especially when pruning larger limbs. Always disinfect pruning tools after you’re done to prevent the spread of disease to other trees.

Consider hiring a professional tree service if pruning proves beyond your capabilities.

Doing so is safe and often well worth the investment.

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Add a crown mold to the great room, a chair rail to the dining room or a wide 5” baseboard to the living room or combine several pieces to make your own customized trim for the master bedroom. The possibilities are endless to what you can create.

Is a fireplace on the wish list for this year? RP Wakefield also manufactures hardwood mantels and surrounds and also mantel shelves in a variety of lengths.

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September 24, 2016

5 Tips to make an older home more energy efficient METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

While new homes are being built to be more energy efficient than ever before, thanks to a growing green building movement and increasingly strict building codes, the age of existing dwellings continues to present challenges. More than 40 percent of the housing stock in the United States was built before 1969 and simply wouldn’t stand up to today’s standards. Yet, much can be done to help homeowners improve their building envelope to reduce energy use and increase efficiency.

Improving your home’s energy efficiency can help save money, keep you more comfortable, reduce pollution, and prevent global warming. Try these five simple measures to maximize the energy efficiency of your home:• Seal cracks and gaps around your home’s windows, doors, and vents. These can be a considerable source of energy loss, allowing conditioned air to escape and unconditioned air to infiltrate your home, placing stress on your furnace and air conditioner in the process. An easy DIY solution is to caulk around windows, doors, and vents, and install or replace

worn weatherstripping. An average home loses up to 30 percent of its energy through air leaks, so sealing your home is a worthwhile exercise.

• Top up or replace old insulation in your attic. A poorly insulated attic is a primary source of energy loss. Also, over time, some types of insulation can settle and compact, allowing heat to escape through gaps. Experts recommend installing a dimensionally stable batt insulation like a Roxul product called Comfortbatt. Aim for an r-value of at least R-50, or a depth of roughly 16 inches.

• Insulate basement headers. Uninsulated basement headers are common, especially in older homes. They can act as a gateway for heated air to escape.

Fixing the problem is fast and easy.

Simply cut Comfortbatt stone wool insulation to fit the cavity and compress into place. Doing this throughout your basement will prevent heat loss and can potentially save hundreds of dollars each year.

• Switch to LED light bulbs. Some LED light bulbs have a lifespan of up

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Adding insulation is a great way to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

to 10 years, and are 80 to 90 percent more efficient than incandescent bulbs.

They are generally more environmentally friendly than CFLs and safer, too, since

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they produce less heat. The return on investment is excellent, as LED bulbs often pay for themselves through energy savings within the first year.

• Consider a home energy audit. This will help you identify and target specific problematic areas of energy loss. A professional home energy audit will also provide a list of recommended solutions to help you maximize your energy-efficiency strategy.

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September 24, 2016

Fall Home Improvement

15

Easy bathroom renovations METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Bathroom renovations are second to kitchen renovations on the list of the top remodeling projects to increase home value. The popularity of bathroom renovations and their ability to transform a space has left many homeowners wondering if there are any easy and affordable ways to change the look of their bathrooms.

While “easy” is a relative term, there are ways homeowners willing to make certain concessions can keep the work and cost of a bathroom renovation to a minimum.

Resurface When possible, covering up what you have in the bathroom is much less expensive and less labor-intensive than tearing out existing fixtures and floors and replacing them anew. Resurfacing can extend to refinishing bathtubs to installing shower liners. Those who have unsightly walls or wallpaper that they’re just not ready to remove may consider using wainscotting to cover a portion of the room or even tiling entire walls.

It is important to note that resurfacing and covering up items in the bathroom

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should only be reserved for cosmetic fixes.

If something needs to be replaced because it is damaged or mildew-covered, then covering it up is only hiding the problem and asking for more work in the long run.

Scale back on materials One way to save money on a bathroom renovation project is to choose less expensive materials. For example, you may not need to install travertine or marble flooring in a space where less expensive flooring like vinyl is adequate. Advancements in vinyl flooring have enabled this affordable material to mimic the look of more expensive materials at a fraction of the cost.

When redoing tile on walls and shower enclosures, many domestically-produced tiles rival the looks of more expensive imported alternatives. You may be able to save more by buying tile in bulk and using the remainder in other applications around the house.

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house, including the bathroom. Dark, small spaces can be made to look more expansive with lighter colors. Cavernous bathrooms that look empty may prove more inviting with darker hues. Pick a paint that is designed for bathroom application so that it will inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.

Update hardware A new faucet or some new cabinet pulls can make the room look new and fresh without breaking the bank. Match finishes throughout the bathroom so everything will be cohesive. When shopping for a new shower head, choose a model that also conserves water. This way you will be making cosmetic and energy-saving renovations at the same time.

DIY

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Handling labor yourself instead of hiring workers can reduce the cost of bathroom remodels considerably. It is possible to buy fully assembled bathroom vanities and install them yourself. Even installing a new toilet is relatively easy with the help of a friend.

There are a number of ways to make bathroom renovations a bit easier and more affordable. Even nominal changes can give the space an entirely different look and feel, which can make the room more enjoyable and help improve a home’s resale value in the process.

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