Spring 2020
HOME improvement A Special Supplement From The Record Delta • Mountain Statesman Lewis County Community Guide
Ideas, Inspiration & Expertise for a Beautiful Home
Page 2 —
Spring Home Improvement 2020
How home design trends are evolving for social distancing COVID-19 has brought changes to everything, and home design is no exception. Experts are expecting to see lasting impacts on everything from the materials we use to the rooms we prioritize. Check out these and other noteworthy trends: Houses over apartments: Many people who live in condos or apartments do so to be closer to the action - work, entertainment and shops - and never planned on spending much time at home. But the pandemic has changed that, and more people are going to want a home that offers plenty of room and outdoor space in case they need to self-isolate again.
Self-sufficiency: A hard lesson we’ve learned is that things and services we thought we could count on aren’t necessarily a sure thing, so items that increase self-reliance will become very popular. Expect to see more homes with sources of energy like solar panels, sources of heat like fireplaces and stoves, and even urban and indoor gardens that allow you to grow your own produce. Outdoor living: Between playgrounds closing and parks becoming overcrowded, many of us are turning to our balconies, patios and backyards for fresh air and nature. This means we’re going to be investing more
in our outdoor spaces, with functional kitchens, soothing water features, cozy firepits, and high-quality outdoor furniture to create a muchneeded escape. Healthier spaces: Thanks to spending more time indoors and reprioritizing our health, we’ll turn to design to help ensure our homes are safe and healthy for our families. We’ll see a rise in products like water filtration systems as well as materials that improve indoor air quality. For new homes and additions, alternatives to wood-framing like insulated concrete forms from Nudura, which offer improved ventilation for healthier indoor air quality and an environment
that’s less susceptible to mold, will be key. Home office space: Business experts are suggesting many companies will see that working from home is not only possible but offers tangible benefits, like saving money on office space rent. With working from home on the rise, creating a home
office space that inspires productivity will be a major project many of us tackle. Luxury home office furniture that feels chic and blends into your décor as well as ergonomic chairs and desks will see a major boost. Custom and quality: With the hit to the economy, people are going to be buying
less, but what they do buy will be better quality, while at the same time making an effort to support American businesses. When it comes to design, trends will shift to locally made furniture, custom-built homes and pieces and materials that stand the test of time.
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Spring Home Improvement 2020 — Page 3
Useful tips for RV beginners taking your home on the road! Road trips are a unique way to travel that afford travelers the freedom to stop and take in sights and scenery on their own time. Traveling the highways and back roads gives people a chance to slow down and really enjoy an adventure. Such trips can be made even more special by traveling in recreational vehicles, often referred to as “RVs.” The RV industry has been consistently growing for years. The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association says the RV industry creates $50 billion in economic impact in the United States, with roughly 23,000 businesses currently in operation. More than 504 RVs were shipped in 2017, and in Canada the industry is responsible for more than $7 billion in retail sales,
states RVIA and Statista. Roughly 40 million Americans go RV camping each year, and millennials make up approximately 38 percent of campers, according to a report from CNBC. New RV enthusiasts are getting on the road every day, and such travelers can benefit from the wisdom and experience of those who have blazed trails before them. · Budget for all RV expenses. It can be tempting to overspend on the RV itself, but buyers should factor in other expenses like hoses, wheel chocks, levelers, navigation systems, campsite fees, and more. · Consider the size of the RV. Buy the smallest RV that is comfortable. Doing so opens up more options
Did you know?
Few things embody the spirit of the open road as well as recreational vehicles, or RVs. The mere sight of an RV traveling alongside them has inspired many motorists to plan their own road trips, and such road trips have only been made better by RVs. While they might seem like a relatively recent phenomenon, RVs actually trace their origins to 1910. According to Go RVing®, an online resource for RV enthusiasts, the first modernized campers were built in 1910. While those campers were downright primitive compared to modern RVs, the latter would not be possible if not for the development and success of the former. Go RVing® notes that the 1913 Earl Travel Trailer is an ancestor to the contemporary travel trailer, though people who see one today may mistake it for a modern horse trailer due to its appearance. Modern RVs come in all shapes and sizes, and travelers’ options in terms of amenities are endless. Basic RVs can be an ideal, no-frills choice for budget-conscious road trippers. For those who want all the amenities of home but the open road, too, luxury RVs, complete with high-tech indoor/outdoor entertainment systems and stacking washer/dryer units that can put an end to vacation time spent at the laundromat, can make for the perfect vehicle.
regarding places to stay. In addition, small RVs are morely easily maneuvered on the road than large ones, especially for novices. · Add time to your ETAs. The estimated time for trips that popular map and navigation software provide are customized to average car speeds. RVs generally move more slowly than cars, so allow for more time to arrive at your destination. This is an important consideration if you need to be at a campground by a certain time. · Save condiment packages. When visiting restaurants and carryout places, save any unused condiment packets, napkins and packages of disposable cutlery. These items take up much less room than full-sized packages, and
space inside RVs is often at a premium. · Invest in storage boxes. Store belongings neatly and cleanly in plastic storage containers. Choose uniformly shaped and sized bins, which are more easily stacked and stored than bins of varying sizes. · Pack a paper map. Naviga-
HOME
tion services that are powered by satellite or cell phone signals may not be available in inclement weather or when traveling through mountain ranges. Paper maps can fill the void and keep you on track. · Check towing capacity. Make sure you do not exceed the manufacturerrecommended towing capac-
ity. This is usually found on a sticker in the driver’s door. Overloading the vehicle can cause transmission issues and/or burn out engines. RVs can be a fun and relaxing way to travel, and novices can make such trips more enjoyable by following a few tips from seasoned road trippers.
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Spring Home Improvement 2020
Tips to prepare for your next
big home project
The planning process is one of the most exciting parts of a home renovation project, and with social distancing keeping us indoors, now is the time to dream big and get ready. Whether it’s a basement makeover, a pool addition or even building a new house from scratch, here are some tips to get started: 1. Factor in your lifestyle. Think about your priorities and lifestyle - do you work from home without a proper home office? Do you enjoy cooking and entertaining? Is your backyard living up to its potential as an extension of your home? Asking these kinds of questions can
help you determine the most beneficial focus for your next project. 2. Educate yourself. Take advantage of this extra time you have to learn about materials, processes and new innovations. You can make smarter purchasing decisions by finding out the answers to key questions, such as: Is this material moldresistant? How long will it last? Is this a passing fad or will it stand the test of time? 3. Consider sustainability. Products and materials that reduce your carbon footprint don’t just help the planet -they’re often better for your wallet, too. When
Securing Your Home in
Beautiful Light
doing your research, look for energy-efficient appliances, windows, walls and more to build a greener home that will last longer and save you money in the long run. 4. Disaster-proof your design. The pandemic has taught us that sometimes the worst can happen. From natural disasters to fires and flooding, we need our homes to offer as much protection as possible. Whether you’re planning an extension to your home, pools and spas for your backyard or a custom-built home, insulated concrete forms from Nudura are a smart investment. An eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials like wood, ICFs are
disaster resilient, designed to withstand wind, fire, tornados, and more. 5. Budget for smart splurges and savings. Budgeting is one of the most important parts of the plan-
ning process because you want to spend your hardearned money wisely. You’ll want to splurge on items that will boost your property value, like energy-efficient features, creating more living space and a solid foundation.
Upcycling and repurposing furniture, DIY-ing simpler projects like painting, and spending more on nicer hardware but less on cabinets are clever ways to save. Find more information at nudura.com.
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Building an Outdoor Oasis on a Budget
Spring is the perfect time to blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. Here are some ideas to save money while creating a more welcoming outdoor living space for relaxing and entertaining: Convenient Outdoor Kitchens Your keys to a functioning outdoor kitchen are a prep surface, grill or cooktop, storage area and dining furniture. Get creative from there with a rolling cart or cabinet for prep and storage. Keep a cooler or metal tub nearby for ice and beverages. Having everything accessible
outside will encourage you to dine outdoors more often. Outdoor Movie Nights There are a variety of affordable outdoor projectors and projector screens on the market today. You can also create your own screen from an outdoor fabric or tarp, or paint an outdoor wall with projector screen paint from your local hardware store. Rustic Upcycled Furnishings Wood shipping pallets are a popular choice for di-y furniture makers. They can be used to create tables, benches, walls and bars at minimal cost.
Search Search online for a variety of videos on this topic. Painted cinder blocks can also be used as building blocks for benches and tables. Cozy Details Hang blankets on a rustic wood ladder (in a spot protected from rain) for cooler evenings. Add a calming water feature in the form of a small fountain. Pot fragrant herbs like lavender or mint near seating areas, and use them for cooking as well. Create instant ambience with string lights or a portable fire pit, or consider adding a chair swing or glider as a summer reading nook. Trend Spotting Bold hues are in for outdoors! The Pantone® Color Institute has announced 2020 Color of the Year is PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue, a deep blue shade that’s comforting and relatable.
Spring Home Improvement 2020 — Page 5
5 outdoor projects that add value Exterior renovations can enhance the appearance of a property and make it more enjoyable for homeowners. Certain renovations have the potential to add value to a home, while others may do the opposite. Learning which one have the largest return on investment can help homeowners select features that will have the most positive impact. Curb appeal goes a long way toward attracting potential buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, first impressions of a property have a strong influence on buyers. Landscaping and external features can do much to influence such impressions. . · Lawn care program: Investing in a lawn care program that consists of fertilizer and weed control application and can be transferred over to a subsequent home owner is
an attractive feature. NAR says such a care program can recover $1,000 in value of the $330 average cost, or a 303 percent ROI. · Low-maintenance lifestyle: When choosing materials for projects, those that offer low-maintenance benefits can be preferential. These include low-maintenance patio materials, composite decking, vinyl fencing, and inorganic mulched beds. · Fire pit: A fire pit can be used for much of the year. In the spring and summer, the firepit is a great place to congregate to roast marshmallows or sip wine and gaze into the fire. In the fall, the fire pit can make for a cozy retreat. A fire pit that has a gas burner is low-maintenance, and the National Association of Landscape Professionals says that most can recoup about $4,000 of their $6,000 average price tag.
· Softscaping: Hardscaping refers to structures like outdoor kitchens or decks. Softscaping involves the living elements of the landscape. Hiring a landscape designer to install trees, shrubs, natural edging, and rock elements can do wonders toward improving the look and value of a home. · Pool or water feature: In certain markets, particularly hot climates, a pool or another water feature is a must-have. However, in other areas where outdoor time is limited, a pool or water feature can actually lower the value of a home. Speaking with a real estate professional can give homeowners an idea of how a pool will fare in a given neighborhood. Outdoor improvements can improve the marketability of a home, as well as enhance its appearance and function.
Address insects before entertaining season Barbecues in the backyard or cocktails on the patio provide some fun ways to enjoy the great outdoors from the comforts of home. While friends and family flock to such entertaining opportunities, some unwanted guests may want to crash the festivities. It’s impossible to ensure a completely bug-free outdoor environment, but there are steps homeowners can take to reduce the amount of pests who want to join the party. Western Exterminator Supply suggests first identifying which kind of insect infiltrations are most common where you live. House flies, fruit flies, mosquitoes, wasps, and bees tend to be abundant in spring and summer. Ants, termites and other bugs also can be prevalent. These insects, however pesky they may seem, often can be kept
away without the use of pesticides and other chemicals. · Lure away pests. Many insects will be happy to snack on a treat and leave you alone. Put out a dish of sugar water or slices of fruit for insects that feed on sweets and nectar, or a slice of sandwich meat for wasps and yellow jackets. Place these items a fair distance from your gathering. · Install fans. A patio ceiling fan can blow away mosquitoes and flies relatively easily. And you and your guests will likely enjoy a nice breeze on sultry days. · Use mulch wisely. Mulch will add to curb appeal, but having it too close to the house, according to the National Pest Management Association, can present an ideal environment for roaches and ants to nest and find their way into a home. As mulch decomposes, it generates
heat and a cozy spot for pests, including mice. Keep mulch 12 inches away from the home’s foundation and entertaining spaces, or use inorganic mulch. · Keep patios clean. Sweep up and clean away any spilled foods and beverages promptly. Even a tiny nugget of food can attract ants and other insects. · Use natural pest deterrents. Citronella oils can drive away some insects, as can garlic and rosemary. Lavender, eucalyptus, marigolds, and other pungent aromas will naturally keep mosquitoes and other flying insects at bay. Some people also have luck with mint-flavored mouthwash misted on patios and furniture. · Address standing water. Mosquitoes and some other insects lay their eggs
in standing water. Routinely drain areas where water collects, including gutters and downspouts · Use light colors. According to HouseLogic, studies show that bugs see dark and bright colors more easily than light colors. Choose lighter shades of paint for outdoor areas and it may make these spaces less attractive to some bugs. · Leave those spider webs. Many people yell “eek” at the sight of spiders and spider webs. But those arachnids and their sticky webs can do a fine job of capturing many unwanted insects. Resist the temptation to tear down webs and shoo spiders away. Addressing insects means employing various natural strategies to make outdoor entertaining more pleasant.
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Spring Home Improvement 2020
Don’t forget about your
Lawn and
Garden
Container gardening tips Gardening is beneficial in various ways. The AARP states that some of the health perks associated with gardening include improved mood, increased vitamin D levels (which benefits bones and immune system) and reduced risk of dementia. In addition, if gardening efforts include growing herbs, fruits and vegetables, it can be a costeffective way to eat healthy. For gardeners without sufficient space or for those with mobility issues, container gardening can be an ideal way to grow everything from flowers to vegetables. Better Homes & Gardens says most plants are not fussy about the containers in which they grow so long as some of their basic needs are met. This means watering correctly for the type of plant, and ensuring
sufficient drainage. The following are some other ways container gardening efforts can prove successful. · Watch water. Planet Natural Research Center says plants with thin leaves typically need ample water, and plants with thick leaves need less. Use this as a guideline to gauge water needs. · Size correctly. Plants should be sized to the container. Consider dwarf varieties of certain plants if your containers are small. · Choose the right soil. Fill containers with a commercial potting soil rather than soil from the garden. Garden soil can dry into a solid mass, while commercial mixtures have amendments like peat moss, vermiculite, compost, and other ingredients to help
with soil texture and moisture retention. · Mix it up. When planting containers of flowers and other greenery, Good Housekeeping says to include “a thriller, a spiller and a filler” as a good rule of thumb. The thriller is the focal point, the spiller a trailing plant, and a filler has smaller leaves or flowers to add bulk and color. · Poke holes. Drainage holes are essential so that soil will not become waterlogged. Holes don’t need to be large,
but there should be enough of them so that excess water can drain out readily. · Select the right container material. Container materials may be affected by gardeners’ budgets, personal taste and other factors. For those who live in hot climates, selecting a light-colored container can help prevent further soil heat absorption. Container gardening is a healthy and enjoyable activity that can pay dividends in various ways.
Tips to successfully grow tomatoes
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Knowledge of what to expect when planting tomatoes and how to start off on the right footing can help produce a season's worth of delicious bounty. · Wait until after the last average frost date. Tomatoes can be grown from seeds outdoors in warm areas, but tomato gardeners often find success starting seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Gradually introduce seedlings to the elements for a few hours each day, increasing the duration of time outside. Then they can be transplanted outdoors when temperatures are consistently over 60 F. · Choose a sunny spot. Tomatoes love to soak up sunlight, according to The Home Depot. Place the plants in a sunny spot so they can thrive. · Space out plants. The experts at Better Homes and Gardens say to leave anywhere from 24 to 48 inches between plants to accommo-
date for growth and ensure the plants will not get stunted. · Plant deeply. Tomatoes tend to root along their stems. If transplants are long and lean, dig a trench and lay the stem sideways in the dirt, and then bend the top of the plant upward. Snip off the lower branches and cover with soil up to the first set of leaves. This will produce extra root growth and stronger, more vital plants. · Give the plants support. Tomato cages or stakes can help keep the leaves and fruit from touching the ground, which can cause rot and, eventually, death to the tomato plant. · Lay down a layer of mulch. Tomatoes grow best when the soil is consistently moist. Mulch can help retain moisture from watering and rain. Mulch also will help prevent soil and soilborne diseases from splashing on the leaves and plants when it rains. While you amend the soil, make sure that it drains
well and is slightly acidic. · Prune away suckers. Tomatoes produce "suckers," which are leaves that shoot out from the main stem. Removing these leaves promotes air circulation and
keeps the plant's energy focused on growing fruit. Tomatoes are a rich addition to any garden. A few simple tricks can help even novice gardeners grow delicious tomatoes.
Did you know?
When planning spring landscapes, homeowners should always group plants with similar water needs together. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, grouping plants with similar water needs together helps to conserve water, which can be an especially useful strategy if or when drought restrictions go into effect in summer. Homeowners also can embrace additional strategies to landscape with water conservation in mind. For example, aerating soil helps to improve water flow to plants’ roots and reduces water runoff, helping to ensure that plants get all of the water they need while reducing the likelihood that homeowners will have to use excessive amounts of water to keep plants healthy. In addition, using low-water-using types of grass can help homeowners who live in areas prone to drought conserve water while still maintaining lush, green lawns.
Spring Home Improvement 2020 — Page 7
A look at home improvement and remodeling in the U.S.
The home improvement market experienced decade-high spending by homeowners in 2018. Here are some helpful facts and figures to know about this popular industry:
5
Home nts improveme ce that produ the best urn resale ret ent on investm
1. Garage Door Replacement 2. Manufactured Stone Veneer 3. Steel Entry Door Replacement 4. Wood Deck Addition 5. Kitchen Remodel
$350 billion Projected residential improvement and repair spending in the U.S. through the third quarter of 2019
according to Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University
$2,647
Average cost to paint a home’s exterior according to the HomeAdvisor True Cost Report
The rate at which home improvement spending is rising annually nationwide according to the Leading Index for Remodeling Activity as of 2018
according to Remodeling’s 2018 Cost vs. Value Report
Hawaii West Virginia Least expensive state in which to buy a home
Kitchen Remodeling The most popular
$9,275
according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
according to the HomeAdvisor True Cost Report
home remodeling job
6%
Average cost of a bathroom remodel
$221,500 Median home value in the U.S. according to Zillow as of October 2018
Most expensive state in which to buy a home according to Business Insider 2018
Ready to Spruce Up Your Home for Spring? Find ideas, inspiration, advice and local savings to get started in this Spring Home Improvement special section. From the latest and greatest design tips to naturally preventing seasonal pests when entertaining outside, you’ll find a wealth of information to protect your investment and enhance your home enjoyment.
