Q: I live in a developed res idential court yard in Fairfield sharing fencing with five neigh bors. My property is higher than one of my back neighbors. We share a fence with an existing wooden retaining wall that was installed by the original develop ers in 1980. The wall and fence needs to be replaced soon. The neighbor wants to put in an engi neered concrete retaining wall with a new expensive fence on top of it and have me split the cost. I do not have the funds to split the costs. Am I liable or obli gated to pay for any of the fence and retaining wall? What is the law concerning lateral support in my situation and what are my options? Any help to understand will be greatly appreciated.
A: There are actually two very different questions in your email. Let’s tackle the easy one first.
Do you have to pay for half of the cost of replacing the fence?
The simple answer is yes you do.
The Good Neighbor Fence Act of 2013 changed the existing, and often confusing, maze of laws around the state regarding fences and who is responsible.
For those of you sufficiently interested, or bored and who want to read it you can Google, California Civil Code 841. You’ll note the technical phrase “coterminous” which simply means two land owners who share a property line. We lawyers like to impress you by using confusing, multi-syllabic words.
Anyway, the code section pretty much requires any landowner to share in the cost of maintenance, repair and replacement of a fence sitting on (or
The idea is that the fence benefits both neighbors equally so both
This is known as a “rebuttable presumption” under the law. That simply means lacking any clear evidence to the contrary, both neighbors are automatically deemed to have an equal obliga-
There are exceptions, but none of them are likely to apply to anyone who doesn’t live out in
However, there is no requirement you pay to upgrade the fence. All that’s required is that you participate in maintaining and/or replacing what is already there. You can say no to any proposed upgrades.
The second question is a lot more complicated and I don’t have nearly enough information to give you an opinion regarding your specific case, but here’s the overlay.
The fact that a retaining wall between the properties even exists means your house was built on a hill above your neighbor’s home.
The question is, who modified the ground in order to build?
If that wall was built because your neighbor’s builder graded the land to give your neighbor a flat parcel to build on, then
Jones, Page 4
Tim Jones
TOP: This cozy modern bedroom features natural light and minimalist decor.
LEFT: A modern stylish living room interior with contemporary furniture and unique lighting.
How to redecorate your home using the latest design trends
Ready for a home refresh, but not in the market for a pricey reno? You can transform your most lived-in spaces by leaning into trends making a splash in 2026. Whether you want to change the look of your living room, bedroom or any other area of your home, explore ways to use personalization, rich color and texture to bring new life to your spaces.
Express yourself
One of the biggest trends of the year is turning away from minimalism and toward a space that tells your story. You can create a personalized space by curating specific items that are meaningful to you, using them as inspiration for the rest of your decor.
An heirloom rug, piece of art or furniture, some special item you collected while traveling or any of your own treasures can
become the room’s focal point, using the colors, feeling or time period conjured by the piece to help you design the entire space.
Use a photo of your cherished item to create a digital or analog “mood board.” Put that photo in the center of the board, then gather colors, textures and other photos that inspire the vibe you’re going for. This process can help you make choices about paint colors, window treatments and furnishings you may want to add to the space, and what you want to remove.
Pro tip: Have a collection of special items? Put it proudly on display! Invest in a special case, shelving and lighting to show your treasures at their best.
Dive into rich earthy tones
Don’t be afraid to experiment with color. You can get paint swatches, stickers or small samples of paint to try out in a
room first, to see what you really like. Remember to view the paint color after it’s completely dry and at different times of day.
• Trending colors include earth tones like deep olive or plum, terracotta, rust or chocolate brown, which can be beautifully contrasted with warm neutrals such as taupe, cream and camel.
• Color drenching is on-trend, which means painting all of a room one color - including the trim, doors and millwork. You can even include the ceiling! By eliminating the contrast you get with white trim, for example, color drenching creates drama and a strong sense of cohesion in a room.
• Wallpaper has also made a serious comeback, so you may want to check out some of the latest designs, patterns and colors that can really transform a room. Don’t want to wallpaper a whole wall? Consider using wallpaper in small areas, like behind open
shelves or in framed panels using decorative molding. You can also add wainscoting or a chair rail and only use wallpaper above (or even below) the rail.
Pro tip: One surprising new trend is using wallpaper on the “fifth wall” - in other words, the ceiling. Wallpapered ceilings can create a great effect for any room, especially small spaces, as it draws the eye upward. Consider using the technique in a space where you have a striking light fixture or chandelier you want to showcase.
Sink into texture
Creating a warm, comfy vibe in any space is easy if you choose textures that you want to run your fingers through. Make your whole room more cozy by opting for furniture with soft, sculptural shapes, and using natural materials such as wood, cotton, wool and linen. Textural variety is also
on-trend with wallpaper choices like grass cloth and sisal, papers with fluted or ribbed effects, faux plaster and even woven fabrics.
Mixing different textures, including mixed metals for hardware, is a continuing trend this year, helping to contribute to the sensory-rich atmosphere that seems to be what everyone’s craving in today’s home design.
Pro tip: Maximize visual interest by mixing and matching everything from matte black and brushed nickel to silver and bronze for your faucets, cabinet pulls and more.
Whichever options you choose to create your own unique atmosphere at home, enjoy the process of discovering what you like best, and don’t be afraid to let your own personality shine through. Personal expression, variety and comfort are the guiding principles of the latest trends in home decor.
VECTEEZY
Solano real estate transactions
These are the local homes sold recently, provided by California Resource of Lodi. The company can be reached at 209.365.6663 or CalResource@aol.com.
BENICIA
TOTAL SALES: 7
LOWEST AMOUNT: $430,000
HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,000,000
MEDIAN AMOUNT: $860,000
AVERAGE AMOUNT: $756,143 921 East 6th Street - $450,000
03-17-26 [2 Bdrms - 1356 SqFt - 1900 YrBlt] 365 Allen Way - $950,000
03-16-26 [4 Bdrms - 2111 SqFt - 1993 YrBlt], Previous Sale: 10-20-21, $850,000 476 East E Street - $650,000
But if your builder brought in fill dirt and dumped it on a hill to give you a flat lot, then it belongs to you.
As you can gather, it’s a matter of proof, and proof doesn’t get presented absent a lawsuit and ultimate trial. If you can’t afford the repairs, chances are you don’t want to try and afford the litigation.
But once again, even if you’re obligated to contribute to the fix you aren’t obligated to upgrade. You’re only on the hook to keep or replace what is already there.
I imagine the reason your neighbor wants an engineered wall is because he believes it’s a good long-term investment. So the long-term economics of the situation are part of the equation. But the fence is pretty much a no-brainer. You have to help repair or replace it.
The wall is subject to debate and negotiation depending on the facts of your particular situation. Let me add one quick thought about liability.
If that wall were to give way and dirt comes barreling onto your neighbor’s yard or, heaven forbid, into his house, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself embroiled in a lawsuit for not only the cost to repair the wall but also any damages caused to the neighbor’s property.
How that turns out I don’t know. It all depends upon who was responsible for the wall. But that risk should weigh into your calculations when deciding whether to participate in fixing the wall now.
Tim Jones, Esq., is a real estate attorney in Fairfield. If you have any real estate questions you would like to have answered in this column, you can send an email to AllThingsRealEstate@ TJones-Law.com.
The mixed containers on the patio range in size from 10-inch to 12 and 16-inches. Supertunias
Mini Vista Plum Veined and Saffron Finch, Mini Vista Indigo, Persimmon, Mini Vista
RIGHT: In this picture Supertunia Vista Cool Jazz, Luscious Marmalade lantana, Superbells Pomegranate Punch calibrachoa and Queen Tut papyrus are in the back container, while Supertunia Saffron Finch, Bermuda Beach Mini Vista Indigo and Tiara Blue bring it forward.
ON GARDENING
Flora, fauna and fragrance with Supertunia petunias
ANorman Winter
s gardeners we think about flora and fauna, but I would like to suggest one more thing. And that is fragrance. Fragrance is one of those memory makers. Memories for the children who grow up with garden fragrance and for spouses celebrating anniversaries. It’s not just the memories of the flowers’ beauty, but also that Mom and Dad grew them and what the time was like.
Today I had a flashback to a moment in time as I walked out onto my patio. I wasn’t planning an olfactory experience nor did I even think about growing more Supertunia petunias than ever before. As I watered and took pictures, I remembered a trip to the plant trials in California.
Twenty years ago, this was like the adventure of a lifetime for a horticulturist making yearly treks to see all the new plants that would soon arrive. I would fly into San Diego and several days later return home via San Jose or San Francisco after stopping at each participating grower.
One year I stopped at a large greenhouse and the entire glass building was dedicated to petunias. I don’t remember the grower, but I’ll always remember the most thrilling olfactory experience in my life. The greenhouse had everyone’s petunia varieties at peak bloom, and the aroma and beauty are still remembered.
This year it was time for some new containers. I was looking for an assortment of sizes: 10-inch, 12-inch, and 16-inch too. There is no telling what you might find when shopping for containers. I found a set of earth tones that really reminded me of the colors you might see in Taos, New Mexico.
All of the containers were filled with good, lightweight potting soil that had slow-release fertilizer incorporated. The nicest thing about my patio is sunlight. Throughout my three-quarters of an acre landscape, sunlight is a premium. In Georgia, I assure you we water almost daily during the growing season.
But back to my containers! Oddly, when I got home, the turquoise-colored one in the set dictated I went with Bermuda. By that I mean Supertunia Bermuda Beach, the prettiest coral pink petunia ever. I chose
Colorful containers create opportunities for art and design with these award winning Supertunias.
a triadic color scheme selecting Supertunia Saffron Finch and Supertunia Mini Vista Inigo petunias as partners. A white pot will allow for any colors of flowers you may choose. Colorful pots may do that too, but it will also open
TOP:
Yellow and Tiara Blue are seen in these containers.
NORMAN WINTER/TNS PHOTOS
to get more enjoyment from your backyard 5 ways
BPT
If you love the idea of hanging out in your yard but it’s not always the most appealing space, you’re probably ready for a backyard makeover. The good news is, there’s a range of simple things you can do to improve the experience of your outdoor space without having to become a master gardener or spend thousands on hardscaping and landscaping.
Here’s a quick look at some recent backyard trends, along with strategies people are using to make the most of their outdoor spaces.
Create activity zones
Consider exactly how you want to use your outdoor areas, and who in the family will be using them. You might want to make a kids play zone, a quiet meditation spot, a cooking and entertaining hub or outdoor office - whatever you want to do outside, create each space in a way that supports that specific purpose.
You can use outdoor furniture and rugs, natural barriers like trees and bushes, large planters and simple structures like pre-made pergolas, gazebos or privacy screens to help define and divide spaces, then create the vibe you want for each one.
Overall placement of each zone matters. Find an out-of-the way nook for a yoga or relaxation spot that won’t be impacted by noise from your kids’ game area. Consider boosting outdoor lighting to illuminate evening entertaining,
reading spots or your backyard work-from-home zone.
Make sure to prioritize comfort for every zone: Is there adequate seating? Simple benches, wall seating and Adirondack chairs might work, but can you provide more cushioned comfort? Do some spots need a shade sail or umbrella to minimize harsh sun light at certain times of day? If you need more privacy, a slatted privacy screen or “living wall” full of growing plants can help separate spaces.
Embrace the chaos
If you don’t have a green thumb, you may appreciate the “chaos gardening” trend. Chaos gardening simply means allowing your garden to be more natural rather than manicured, and planting a biodiverse, pollinator-friendly assortment of native wildflowers.
You may still want to weed a bit, to strengthen the plants you’re encouraging to grow there, but you won’t need to spend all your weekends tidying up these wilder gardens. And you still benefit from what makes most gardens beautiful: glorious color and the floral aroma that flowers provide.
Eat your garden
Another popular trend is the resurgence of the “kitchen garden,” which you can easily grow in a raised bed or containers at first, keeping your workload to a minimum. Some hardy, low-maintenance options include
cherry tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, scallions (green onions) and green beans. For herbs, try basil and oregano, mint, parsley and chives.
Think about the type of food you like to make (and eat!) when choosing what plants to grow. Love Italian food? Basil, oregano and tomatoes are a must. Enjoy Mexican cuisine? Grow cilantro and a variety of spicy peppers, like jalapenos.
Even better, many of these options can be started indoors, making them a simple choice for beginning gardeners. Kids may enjoy getting in on the act, too. Have a lot of outdoor space? Consider growing squash, watermelons and pumpkins in your yard. Just make sure that whatever you grow, you’re protecting your garden from marauding critters by using fencing, fine-mesh cages or netting. Consult your
local garden center for the most effective ideas appropriate for your region.
Boost your wellness through exercise
You may already have an established quiet zone for meditation or yoga, but you may also want areas where you and your kids can play active games, get some physical exercise and have fun together. Beyond elaborate play structures, consider sparking excitement by creating an obstacle course or scavenger hunt in your yard.
Classic yard games are also making a comeback, so you may want to set up a badminton net or get (or make) a cornhole set. You could also try croquet, horseshoes or even ultimate Frisbee, depending on the amount of space you
have, and your kids’ ages.
Keep pests to a minimum
If bugs in your yard are keeping you from enjoying the outdoors, basic pest control methods can make a difference. Natural techniques include keeping your grass mowed and not allowing brush or leaves to pile up. You’ll also want to ensure there’s no standing water in your yard where mosquitos can breed. Some pests are deterred by the scent of mint, marigolds and lavender, so consider planting these fragrant plants around your yard. And those native flowers you’re encouraging on your property also attract predators like dragonflies and birds that eat insects.
By creating spaces designed to meet your needs, you’ll be much more likely to enjoy your time outside.
VECTEEZY
Sunlight filters through mature shade trees in this beautifully landscaped backyard, creating a peaceful outdoor retreat with manicured lawn, colorful plantings and inviting seating areas.
Winter
From Page 5
the door to take advantage of that color as a critical element in the design. My set of pots had a rusty orange selection, and I went with a color scheme we might call a split complementary. I chose Supertunia Mini Vista Indigo and Mini Vista Yellow with Supertunia Persimmon.
My patio is not that large — about 400 square feet. But I have 24 Supertunia petunias along with Superbells calibrachoas, Luscious lantanas and Queen Tut papyrus growing in these tight quarters. I have all the classes of Supertunias, Vistas, Mini Vistas and regular selections.
Exterior renovations that boast the best ROI
METRO
ROur grandparents grew old-fashioned seed-produced petunias that were reseeded from year to year. While these were noted for their fragrance, I can tell you that the Supertunias (while champions in trials for their performance and beauty) have a fragrance that is definitely worth stopping to smell the ... well you know, petunias. Make this the year you grow for fragrance and start making memories and see if your nose knows what my nose knows!
Norman Winter is a horticulturist, garden speaker and author of “Tough-as-Nails Flowers for the South” and “Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden.” Follow him on Facebook @NormanWinterTheGardenGuy. He receives complimentary plants to review from the companies he covers.
emodeling with a return on investment in mind can be a smart strategy for homeowners, whether one is thinking about moving in the next few months or further down the road. Though this approach is an inexact science, in many instances, it’s savvy for homeowners to consider what buyers may want when planning home improvements. Homeowners may be surprised to learn which renovations garner the best ROI at resale. The home loan and refinancing company RenoFi indicates that overall home improvement projects provide a 70 percent ROI on average. Many high-ROI projects add functional space and improvement. The following are some exterior renovations that help homeowners recoup the most money at resale, according to Remodeling magazine’s “2022 Cost vs. Value Report.”
1. Garage Door Replacement:
93.3 percent recouped of $4,041 cost
2. Manufactured Stone Veneer:
91.4 percent recouped of $11,066 cost
3. Siding replacement (Fiber Cement):
68.3 percent recouped of $22,093 cost
4. Window replacement (Vinyl):
67.5 percent recouped of $20,482 cost
5. Siding replacement (Vinyl):
67.2 percent recouped of $18,662 cost
6. Window replacement (Wood):
66.3 percent recouped of $24,388 cost
7. Deck addition (Wood):
64.8 percent recouped of $19,248 cost
8. Entry Door Replacement (Steel):
63.8 percent recouped of $2,206 cost
The majority of renovations on Remodeling magazine’s list of the best investments are exterior
renovations, making this area of a home a particular point of interest for homeowners. The only interior project that cracked the Top 10 ROI for projects was a minor midrange kitchen remodel. Exterior renovations perhaps add the most bang for your buck because they’re not only functional, but also because they add immediate curb appeal. Much in the way it has been said people eat with their eyes first — which is why chefs spend so much time on elaborate plating — buyers will judge a property by how it looks
when they arrive, even before they’ve stepped inside a home. In essence, home buyers often judge a book by its cover. A worn exterior may indicate to potential buyers that the home was not maintained, however false that assumption may be.
It’s important for homeowners to consider all factors before beginning a renovation. Certain projects offer a stronger return on investment than others, and that’s a significant consideration for homeowners thinking of selling their homes.
NORMAN WINTER/TNS PHOTOS
Colorful containers create opportunities for art and design with these award winning Supertunias.
How to repair bare spots and achieve your dream lawn
STATEPOINT
Even if you have lush, green grass, your lawn may still suffer from bare spots. These bare spots can happen for a variety of reasons, and when they do, seldom regrow on their own.
To achieve your dream lawn, Exmark, the lawn care equipment manufacturer, is providing a step-by-step guide for filling in the blank spaces.
Clearing Your Lawn
An outdoor television overlooks a stylish backyard patio featuring cushioned seating, a stone fire pit and lush landscaping designed for relaxing and entertaining outdoors.
Key features for an outdoor TV room
METRO
An outdoor living area can provide a welcome space for residents and guests to gather on beautiful days and nights. The appeal of outdoor living is undeniable, and homeowners working with a blank canvas in their backyards, or working with an aging area in need of a complete overhaul, can tailor their spaces to meet their own unique wants.
Many homeowners are building outdoor living spaces around a TV room where they can host movie nights and game watches under the stars. Data from the National Association of Realtors® indicates that such spaces are worth homeowners’ investment, as a new patio can recoup as much as 95 percent at resale. When planning an outdoor TV room, homeowners can look to these features to make the space as enjoyable as possible.
• Outdoor TV enclosure: The cost of an outdoor TV enclosure will depend on the size of the television, but it likely won’t break the bank regardless of how large
a television is. Many enclosures for televisions up to 65 inches can be had for less than $500. Enclosures are important because most are weather-resistant and some are shatterproof. In addition, an enclosure protects the television when no one is home or outside, ensuring windy or stormy afternoons when debris or branches might be flying near the television won’t damage the device.
• Sound capability: An outdoor TV room likely won’t be used as frequently as indoor spaces, so a sizable investment in a sound system to accommodate outdoor viewing may not be necessary. But you may want to enhance the sound for outdoor movie nights or game watches. If you’re mounting the television on an exterior wall, a pair of speakers can flank the TV on each side. If the television is going to be placed on an outdoor TV stand, a soundbar built for outdoor use should suffice.
• Lighting: It’s easy to overlook lighting when planning an outdoor TV room. However, once the sun goes down, it may feel odd and a little uncomfort-
able if the only light is coming from the television itself. Some ambient lighting that’s attached to a pergola or built into a pavillion can help illuminate the space where you’ll be watching TV.
• Comfortable seating: It’s unlikely you would feel comfortable watching a movie or game indoors if you spent the whole time sitting in your dining room chairs. And it’s equally important to prioritize comfortable seating in an outdoor TV space rather than just dragging patio dining table chairs or even adirondack chairs over to the TV area when you’re about to watch something. Some cushioned outdoor furniture will enhance the viewing experience for everyone.
• Fan: A ceiling fan attached to a pavillion or a wall-mounted fan or two directing air toward the seating area can keep pesky bugs at bay and provide a little cooling relief on warm nights.
Outdoor TV rooms are wildly popular. A few creature comforts can make these spaces even more inviting.
To give your new grass a fighting chance, the soil underneath needs to live its best life, first and foremost. That’s why your first step should be clearing your lawn of invasive weeds, dead grass, and thatch.
The Need to Reseed
Soil that’s become hard and compacted isn’t ideal for the seed germination needed to replace barren spots with fresh growth. So, use a good, heavy garden rake to loosen the soil two to three inches deep.
If your soil is dry, apply fresh topsoil to add a hearty mix of nutrients and grass-growing energy to the depleted ground. Work the new soil in with the old and you’re on your way.
Now that your soil has what it needs, you’re ready to apply new seed. Rake a seed type that matches your grass type into the soil. Be sure to follow the directions on the bag closely, as applying too many seeds in too small an area can cause the grass to grow to the point of choking itself out. This will land you right back to square one with a bare spot needing repair.
Boosting Your Soil
All plants require six essential nutrients: oxygen, carbon
and hydrogen received from air and water, and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium received from soil. Use a granular starter fertilizer to help deliver the latter three nutrients to your new grass. Just be sure to read the label, as every bag of plant food contains three numbers separated by dashes indicating the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium the fertilizer contains. Each of these ingredients serves a different function for plant health, so understanding what combination your soil needs can help your grass grow lush and green.
Protecting New Grass
As new grass grows, it needs some extra protection. Lightly cover the area with straw to prevent birds from snacking and to retain moisture. You’ll want to keep your re-seeded area moist for at least a few weeks before new growth will appear, so water the area as needed. Sprigs of new grass will start appearing before you know it, but it’s important to wait a few more weeks before mowing to allow new grass to become established.
For more insights, watch “How to Repair Bare Spots in Your Lawn,” an episode of “Backyard Smart,” an original series from mower manufacturer, Exmark. To watch the video, visit Backyard Life, a unique multimedia destination with a focus on helping homeowners improve their outdoor living spaces. There you can download additional tips and view other Exmark Original Series videos.
“A flawless lawn is definitely achievable,” says Lenny Mangall, Exmark. “All you need to make bare spots on your lawn a distant memory is the right knowledge and a little bit of elbow grease.”
METRO
Simple tips to improve your status with mortgage lenders
METRO
Owning a home is a dream shared by millions of people. Investing in property that can be owned within 15 to 30 years of closing on the home makes more financial sense to many than continuing to rent and having little to show for it over time.
The first step to take when planning to enter the real estate market is to ensure that your finances are in order. Various factors will influence individuals’ ability to secure a mortgage, and these are some ways to make yourself more attractive to prospective lenders.
• Check your credit report. Lenders will check your credit report before deciding if you are a risk or a safe bet for a mortgage. So it makes sense to check your credit report prior to speaking with a lender. The Federal Trade Commission says everyone can get one free credit report a year from each of the three credit reporting bureaus. If you split it up, you can get a credit report every four months so you are aware of anything that may adversely affect your ability to get a mortgage loan. A credit (FICO) score that’s too low may disqualify you from a mortgage. Each lender sets its own thresholds when they price and approve loans, but the higher your credit score, the better.
• Improve credit standing. One way to improve your status in the eyes of lenders is to pay down credit card balances to reduce your credit utilization ratio. A high utilization occurs when there is a high balance in relation to the credit limit, says Business Insider. Also, it may be wise to
What to know about floor-to-ceiling windows
METRO
A mortgage advisor discusses home financing options with a client while reviewing loan calculations and property details.
avoid any credit inquiries through new credit card applications for several months before applying for a loan, as these inquiries can affect your score.
• Be realistic about what you can afford. Do your homework and determine your target interest rate and monthly payment as well as what down payment you can afford. It will help you research potential lenders and provide an idea of what may be offered to you.
• Pay bills on time. Paying bills promptly not only helps you avoid late fees, but also positively affects your credit. The financial resource The Mortgage Reports urges diligence when paying rent, as late rent payments can bar you from getting a mortgage. Lenders look at rent history as the biggest indicator of whether you’ll make mortgage payments on time.
These are some of the ways to make a prospective home buyer look better in the eyes of mortgage lenders. Individuals can speak with financial professionals about what else they can do to improve the possibility of securing mortgages at the best rates possible.
Modern homes showcase many dazzling features, but perhaps none draw as much as instant attention as floor-toceiling windows. Often seen in high-rise apartments that boast panoramic city views, floor-toceiling windows also are right at home in single-family dwellings. Homeowners considering floor-to-ceiling windows may have lots of questions. The following rundown can provide some basic information that can help homeowners decide if floorto-ceiling windows are right for their homes.
Cost
Cost is often the primary consideration when mulling a home renovation, and that’s even more significant as the world confronts the rising costs associated with inflation. The cost of installing floor-to-ceiling windows depends on a host of variables, including how many windows will be needed and where homeowners live. According to Modernize®, a service that facilitates connections between renovation-minded homeowners and local contractors, a floor-to-ceiling window wall costs somewhere between $700 to $1,600 per linear foot. Framing and glazing will add to those costs.
Lighting and energy efficiency
One of the more appealing aspects of floor-to-ceiling windows is all the natural light they allow in. Of course, all that
Sunlight fills a modern living room with floorto-ceiling windows, highlighting a neutraltoned sofa and light wood flooring.
light also can drive up energy costs on sunny summer days. One way around that is to install energy efficient windows. Such windows include extra insulation to prevent cool air from escaping the home on summer days, which can reduce the need to lower the thermostat on your air conditioning. A wall of glass also can provide less insulation against the cold. The extra insulation in energy efficient windows also helps keep warm air from escaping a home in the winter. Energy efficient windows may cost more than less efficient alternatives.
Privacy and fading
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the view floor-to-ceiling windows provide, especially in homes surrounded by serene
natural settings like woods or properties that abut waterways. But that view outward also provides a view in, potentially compromising privacy. All that extra exposure to sunlight also can cause fabrics to fade over time. Floor-to-ceiling blinds and shades can protect homeowners’ privacy and reduce fading on furniture, but this extra feature will add to the final cost of the project. Smart window tinting is another way to improve privacy and reduce fading, but this feature also will drive up the cost.
Floor-to-ceiling windows can be awe-inspiring. Homeowners considering such windows for their homes are urged to do their homework to ensure their homes are well-suited to this unique feature.
METRO
METRO
REAL ESTATE
Solano County Listings: Homes for sale
$1,025,000 3227
LOTS & LAND
How to protect your home when you’re away
METRO
Vacation often serves as a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. When relaxing and recharging away from home, the last thing vacationers want to think about is the safety of their homes and everything inside them. However, the National Council for Home Safety and Security and Statistics Canada estimate that more than two million burglaries occur in the United States and Canada every year. That underscores the importance of protecting your home at all times, including when you’re not there.
how tempting it may be to share photos from an exotic location, such posts could catch the attention of all the wrong people. A recent report from MetLife indicated that 35 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 check in from their locations via social media. That can alert criminals that no one is manning the fort back home.
• Create the impression that someone is home. Just because you’re heading off for parts unknown doesn’t mean you can’t create the impression that life is carrying on as usual within the walls of your home. Smart home technology now enables homeowners to set timers on lights and even home electronics like televisions and radios. Homeowners also can ask neighbors to pick up their mail or halt delivery until they return from their trips. Nothing says “no one’s home” as definitively as an overflowing mailbox.
A Credit Sesame survey of former burglars in the United Kingdom found that 78 percent acknowledged monitoring social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter as they try to find homes to burglarize. Individuals about
• Keep quiet on social media.
to go on vacation should avoid sharing that on social media.
• Stay silent while you’re away as well. Social media silence should be continued while you’re on vacation as well. No matter
• Switch from a traditional lock and key to a lockbox. Individuals who travel frequently can take a page from the realtor notebook and switch from a traditional lock and key lock system to a lockbox. Lockboxes require that a code is entered before a box containing a key can be unlocked. Homeowners who want this added measure of protection don’t even need to put a key inside the lockbox, which typically covers a lock, making it extremely difficult for potential thieves to pick the lock. Before leaving for vacation, individuals can implement various strategies and safety measures to protect their homes and their belongings while they’re away.
