Home Improvement

HOME IMPROVEMENT FEBRUARY 2021

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT OF SANTA MARIA TIMES, LOMPOC RECORD, AND SANTA YNEZ VALLEY NEWS

How to choose the right window treatments for your home

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lantation shutters? Miniblinds? Cafe curtains?

Formal draperies?

Homeowners’ options in regard to window treatments for their homes are extensive, which can make outfitting home interiors challenging for novice decorators.

Some people do not pay a lot of attention to window treatments, failing to realize just how great an impact the right window treatments can have on a space. According to the design experts at Hunter Douglas, window treatments are often an afterthought because residents may not consider them necessities. As a result, homeowners may install whatever is on hand or accept window treatments that came with a house or apartment. But ignoring window treatments, especially when they can fulfill certain needs, is a missed design opportunity.

One of the first steps to choosing window treatments is determining your end goal.

Is privacy your main goal? Are you seeking more natural light in a room? Is there too much light and you need to darken the room? Window treatments can serve multiple functions, and some treatments may make better fits depending on homeowners’ ultimate goals.

brighten rooms with natural light but offer little privacy.

They’re usually appropriate for spaces where people gather, such as living rooms, dens or dining rooms. Semi-sheer curtains may be paired with Semi-sheer window another complementary window treatments treatment so privacy can be Semi-sheer window treatments customized as needed. For example, sheer curtains let light are often fabric and can help

be drawn closed when privacy is desired and then opened to let in light. The thickness of the fabric will also dictate the amount of privacy the panels create.

Tiers are hung on a short rodpocket panel and usually cover the lower one-third of a window.

They’re popular choices to let light in from the top, but obscure views from the bottom portion of the window.

Cellular shades are another option that provide privacy but still let light in. Cellular shades come in hard and fabric varieties and their use depends on the room. Many cellular shades are constructed with a honeycomb design, offers the design resource Houzz, so they can insulate as well as decorate windows.

Blackout shades/shutters Perfect for rooms where babies nap, shift workers rest during daylight hours or external lights, such as that from a street lamp, need to be blocked out, blackout shades do just what their name implies. A dense fabric lining helps keep light out entirely.

Shutters also can block out light but add to the character of the room. They can be painted a into a bedroom, but shades can bright color to make a statement be drawn at night. or match wall colors to blend in seamlessly.

Maximum privacy When selecting window Bedrooms, work spaces or bathrooms can benefit from extra treatments, many designers privacy. While some people may recommend custom window treatments because they are think that privacy comes at the measured, manufacturered cost of light, that’s not always and installed specifically for the case.

Functional curtain panels can homeowners’ windows.

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6 options for funding your next home improvement project

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efore starting a home improvement project, either on one’s own or with the assistance of a professional contractor, homeowners must first consider the costs involved. According to the home improvement resource HomeAdvisor, more than one-third of homeowners do not understand what hiring a professional will cost, and then cannot successfully budget and secure financing once they have set their sights on a renovation project.

HomeAdvisor says that some of the more popular projects, such as remodeling a kitchen or bathroom or building a deck, can cost, on average, $19,920, $9,274 and $6,919, respectively.

Homeowners may find that the more expensive renovations require them to secure some type of financing. Those who have never before sought such financing may want to consider these options.

1. Cash-out refinancing: With cash-out refinancing, a person will begin the mortgage process anew with the intention of paying off the current mortgage balance, and then taking out additional funds for other purposes. Cashout refinancing is a way to tap into a home’s existing equity for use on improvements or other expenses, such as college tuition.

2. Home equity line of credit: The financial experts at Bankrate indicate that a HELOC works like a credit card, with the house as collateral. There is a credit limit, www.first.bank and borrowers can spend up to that 800-760-BANK limit.

The interest rate may or may not be fixed. However, the interest may be tax-deductible if the financing is used to improve, buy or build a home.

3. Home equity loan: Individuals also can borrow against equity in their homes with a fixed interest rate through a home equity loan. Most lenders will calculate 80 percent of the home value and subtract a homeowner’s mortgage balance to figure out how much can be borrowed, according to the financial advisory site The Simple Dollar.

4. Personal loan: Homeowners can shop around at various financial institutions for competitive personal loans to be used for home improvement purposes. Funds may be approved within one business day, which can be ideal for those who want to begin their improvements soon.

5. Personal line of credit: A personal line of credit allows borrowers to borrow only the money needed at the time, and offers a variable interest rate that is generally lower than fixed loan rates. Again, like a credit card, PLOC gives a person a maximum borrowing amount and is ideal for ongoing purchases.

6. Credit cards: In a pinch, credit cards can be used to finance improvements, but they do come with the cost of very high interest rates if the balance is not paid in full by the time the bill comes due. However, for funding smaller projects and maximizing rewards points through home improvement retailers or specific credit card company promotions, credit cards can be a way to earn various perks in addition to the benefit of improving a home.

Homeowners looking to finance their next improvements should speak to a financial advisor and shop around for the best types of funding for them.

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Caring for kitchen countertops

itchen remodels are a popular home improvement project that help homeowners recoup large percentages of their initial investments at resale. A kitchen remodel can invigorate a home and make the most popular room in the house more functional.

According to HomeAdvisor, a home-improvement informational guide, homeowners spend an average of $22,000 on kitchen remodels. However, lavish projects can cost more than $50,000.

Protecting such investments is important and requires that homeowners understand how to properly maintain kitchen features so they have the longest life possible. This includes the new countertops that make the kitchen look complete.

Countertops come in various materials, not all of which should be treated the same way. Quartz, granite, marble, laminate, and tile countertops require different types of maintenance.

Quartz Engineered quartz countertops are popular. Quartz countertops are nearly maintenance-free and resistant to stains, scratches and even heat. Quartz will not need to be sealed like natural stone and can be cleaned using just a damp cloth with a mild, nonabrasive soap.

Marble Marble is a natural stone that is porous and will need to be resealed periodically. Because marble has high levels of the mineral calcite, it can be reactive when acids come in contact with it, and etch marks Granite may appear. Promptly wipe away Polished or honed granite tomato juice, lemon juice, perfume, countertops offer a high-end look that adds instant value to a kitchen. or toothpaste. Marble is softer than granite and will wear at a faster Natural variations in granite give rate. Avoid scratching and exercise each kitchen a custom look. To caution when using knives or sharp objects around marble.

A reverse mortgage loan could help bring your favorite home improvement project to life.

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keep granite countertops clean, avoid abrasive cleansers that can scratch, and opt for warm, soapy water instead. Stains are possible, but can be remedied with a baking soda paste left to sit for a couple of hours, advises Angie’s List. Wipe up oils, acids and soda promptly to avoid stains, and follow advised sealing routines.

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Laminate One of the more budget-friendly

materials, laminate countertops can be fabricated to mimic the look of natural stone, wood or even quartz. Laminate is less resistant to damage than other materials and will need a gentle touch. Formica¨ says to never use abrasive cleansers, scouring pads or steel wool when cleaning laminate countertops. For tough stains, an all-purpose cleaner should suffice when applied with a nylon-bristled brush. Test any cleanser in a discreet area first.

Tile Cleaning tile countertops requires getting into crevices along the grout lines. A toothbrush and a mildew-fighting cleaner or bleach diluted with water is advised.

Also, unglazed tiles need to be sealed yearly. Some soap may leave residue, which can be removed with a solution of vinegar and water.

Check with the manufacturer or installer of the countertops to learn more about the ways to clean and maintain new counters.

Improve soil quality for a better lawn A lush, green lawn can vastly improve a home’s curb appeal. Thick, healthy grass indicates that homeowners care enough about their properties to invest the time, effort and money to make them beautiful.

According to the landscaping tool company Troy-Bilt, soil fertility is the foundation of healthy lawns.

In fact, the quality of the soil is essential whether one is growing acres of grass, potted plants or vegetable garden beds. No matter which type of soil a homeowner is working with, there are various ways to make it better.

Remove thatch Thatch is a tightly knotted layer of leaves, grass roots, stems, and other debris that accumulates between the grass blades and the

home improvement site BobVila. com says loamy soil should have equal parts sand and silt and half as much clay.

If the lawn is not yet established, loamy soil can be created and then the grass seeds planted. For established soil, after removing thatch and aerating, top-dressing the lawn can help. This involves Test and amend soil adding a thin layer of soil over A great lawn has loamy soil, which has a key ratio of clay, silt and the lawn. It can improve the soil without killing the existing turf. sand. Silt is a granular material of Ideally, it should be done in early a size between sand and clay that originates from quartz and feldspar. fall or spring, as this gives the grass time to grow through three to four It is the most fertile of the three more mowings before severe heat or types of soil components. Sand does not retain water, but it helps to cold sets in.

Aerate Healthy soil is vital to a lush lawn.

A lawn aerator will create holes in create spaces in the soil that permit It takes a little work, but improving the soil. This can improve drainage air to circulate. Clay particles are small and bind together tightly, but soil can create vibrant, healthy, and encourage worms and helpful microorganisms that require oxygen clay is naturally nutrient-rich. The green grass. soil. Too much thatch can hinder the movement of water, air and nutrients into the soil. According to organic fertilizer company Organo-Lawn, thatch often occurs if the production of dead organic material in the lawn exceeds the ability of the microorganisms in the soil to break down that organic matter. A half-inch of thatch is normal. If thatch gets too thick, it will need to be removed. The home improvement resource DIY Network says dethatching can take place in the summer, fall and winter using a thatching rake.

to thrive in the soil. The Briggs & Stratton Company says the best time to aerate a lawn is during the growing season when the grass can heal and fill in any holes, such as spring and fall. Aeration can help develop deeper grass roots for a healthier lawn.

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Safety first when power washing your home this spring

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pring cleaning is a great way for homeowners to clear their homes of clutter. As people spend extra time indoors in winter, items can quickly pile up around the house. Spring is a great time to clean up such clutter, but interior spaces are not the only areas of a home that can benefit from some extra attention once the weather warms up.

Harsh winters can take a toll on home exteriors. Dirt and grime can build up on exterior home surfaces over the course of the winter, affecting the appearance of the siding of a home as well as outdoor entertaining areas.

Power washing is a great way to give a home a fresh, clean look in spring. But there’s more to power than simply renting the right equipment and getting to work.

The Centers for Disease Control

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and Prevention notes that there are many risks associated with using power washers. For instance, the CDC says strong spray from power washers can cause serious wounds that initially seem minor. However, such wounds can lead to infection or disability if left untreated. In addition, if manufacturer safety instructions are not followed, electric shock can occur due to improper use.

Homeowners who are intending to power wash their own homes this spring should first determine if they’re physically capable of doing so. Power washers can be difficult for some people to control, so it’s imperative that homeowners honestly assess their physical abilities before renting a unit. The CDC urges homeowners who determine they can safely handle power washers to take these

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additional safety steps to make sure the process of cleaning their home exteriors goes smoothly.

• Never point a pressure washer at yourself or others.

• Do not attempt to push or move objects with spray from the washer.

If anything is in your way, turn the power washer off and then move the

obstruction.

• Never use a gasoline powered washer in an enclosed space, which can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Always test the ground fault circuit interrupter (circuit breaker or outlet) before using a pressure washer.

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Renovation trends that figure to be popular in the year ahead

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ome renovation trends are ever-changing.

Renovations that might have been de rigueur 20 years ago may seem dated now. Recognizing the potentially popular trends of tomorrow is a great way for homeowners to give their homes a fresh new look and put themselves in position to capitalize on popular trends when they put their homes on the market. That’s especially so after 2020, a year when millions of people spent more time at home than ever before. All that time working from home and relaxing at home gave millions of homeowners ideas about what they like about their homes and what they hope to change. The following are some renovation trends that various experts suspect could emerge in 2021.

• Eco-friendly living: Climate change, and how to combat it,

was a hot button issue during the 2020 presidential election in the United States. So it should come as no surprise that urdesignmag. com, a web magazine that showcases creative trends in design, architecture, art, technology, and fashion, predicts that ecofriendly living solutions figure to be hot commodities in 2021.

Eco-friendly appliances, furniture and designs can help to conserve energy and reduce waste, which environmentalists and government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency note are two critical components in the fight against climate change.

• Large windows: Large windows can provide stunning views of the outdoors and allow ample natural light into a home. It may not be a coincidence if large windows prove to be a hot trend in 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic that

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dominated much of 2020 forced many people to spend considerably more time at home. Darker homes without much natural light can adversely affect mood, especially when people are spending more time at home. HGTV predicts that homeowners will seek ways to bring more natural light into their homes in 2021, and large windows naturally brighten homes while making rooms appear bigger, helping people feel less cramped.

That’s an especially beneficial characteristic when spending more time indoors at home.

• Minimalism: The anticipated popularity of minimalism in 2021 may also be connected to the pandemic. As professionals were forced to work from home

and many families spent more time together inside their homes then ever before, they may have recognized a need to cut back on clutter, including extra furniture. A minimalist approach is both simple and clean, which can make homes feel less claustrophobic.

• Multi-functional spaces: Homeowners asked a lot of their homes in 2020, as rooms were transformed into multi-functional spaces seemingly overnight. HGTV notes that spending more time at home showed homeowners that it may not make sense to dedicate entire rooms of a home to a single purpose. Renovations that can help homeowners transform rooms into multi-functional spaces figure to be hot commodities in the years ahead.

How to control common spring pests Just when winter thaws out and people are anxious to enjoy the blooming flowers and luscious lawns of spring, pesky pests can appear and impact comfort levels and safety.

Many pests resume their levels of activity as spring draws closer and temperatures warm up. The presence of these insects and rodents may cause problems in and around a home, which makes it essential to recognize them and avoid issues. The following are some of the more common spring pests and how to remedy infestations.

Although pavement ants nest outdoors, they can enter homes through small crevices in search of food scraps. Their large colonies may not disappear until treatment is introduced. Keep foods in tightly sealed containers, clear counters and floors of crumbs, and address water sources, such as leaks. Pesticides may be needed in extreme conditions.

cats and dogs. There also may be powders and sprays to alleviate flea infestations in the home.

Vacuuming is also very effective in killing larvae in the carpet and at picking up adults.

If a nest is found, hire a professional to remove it.

Spiders Many spiders are not harmful enough to humans and pets to be much of a problem. In fact, spiders can be helpful to have around to Wasps control the populations of other An errant wasp, hornet or insects. Still, many homeowners yellow jacket may have survived would prefer these web-slinging winter and ridden out the colder temperatures within a home. Once friends remain outdoors. Therefore, Fleas sealing cracks in a home’s the weather warms, queens will Fleas are tiny, jumping, biting foundation and repairing small begin to look for places to lay eggs pests that must find a host upon openings around windows and and establish colonies. Treating which to live. As ectoparasites, they areas where wasps are seen entering doors can help keep spiders out. feed on blood while living on the Also, alleviating moisture issues in and leaving the home is key. Seal body of living hosts. Pets can bring holes as soon as possible. basements, garages or attics may fleas inside the yard and home in Pavement ants keep out other bugs that would be Although wasps help control warm weather. According to the Pavement ants are some of the prey to spiders. other insect populations, their University of California Statewide most common pests residents Homeowners can take the steps painful stings and potentially Integrated Pest Management encounter inside and outside of necessary to cut down on pests in aggressive nature can make them Program, flea larvae develop more their homes. These ants are light challenging to have around a home. and around their homes. quickly at higher temperatures. brown to black with appendages that are lighter than the rest of their At normal room temperatures, the bodies. Small in stature, pavement entire life cycle of a flea is about 18 days. ants have parallel lines on their Several flea control products heads and thorax, according to pest are available to control fleas on extermination company Orkin.

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