Spring Home Improvement Seasons 2024 - Edition Eight

The birds are chirping, the sun is shining and people are starting to have a spring in their step again, that's why we've themed this issue for Spring Home & Garden. However, as always, you will find local news throughout. This time of year, many of us are thinking about sprucing up our homes in time for the warmer weather and dreaming of those lazy summer days. We have you covered with informative editorial and messages from your favorite local merchants. Looking to advertise? Seasons® Magazine is published ten times a year in print and online. Contact us for more information today.

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Owner’s Suite Renovation Ideas For Luxury Spaces

Anowner’s suite is a sanctuary for homeowners. It’s a place where adults can retreat, relax, and unwind after a busy day. A bed and some other furniture are expected to take up residence in a standard bedroom, but certain elements can help homeowners create stunning spaces. While the largest bedroom in the home is typically dubbed the “owner’s suite,” it cannot be classified as a suite unless there is an adjoining bathroom. An owner’s suite also may have many more unique features that individuals may want to incorporate into a remodel. Here are some ideas to consider.

Upgraded Closet

Those who will be overhauling the walls and layout of the bedroom can configure the space to make room for a serious closet overhaul. A spacious, walk-in closet with built-in shelves, drawers, and rods can improve the functionality of the bedroom. Draw dividers and other components also can optimize space.

Sitting Area

In large suites, homeowners may have the potential to set up a sitting area in one portion of the room away from the bed.

This area can have a sofa, chairs, chaise, or other furniture and make for an ideal spot to read and lounge. Some people also enjoy having a television adjacent to the sitting area, so they can watch a show in the privacy of the bedroom.

Fireplace

Fireplaces add a unique ambiance to bedrooms and make for cozy spaces in which to cuddle up. While a traditional, roaring wood fire is one option, there is much less mess and fuss with a gas fireplace. Some gas fireplaces may not even have to be vented, and they can be turned on with the flip of a switch.

Private Patio Or Balcony

Owners who want to go the extra mile in owner’s suite renovations can incorporate outdoor spaces into the plans. Many homes are now being built with owner’s suites on the first floor, facilitating the possibility of aging in place at home. With this layout, the bedroom can be opened up to the outdoors by way of a sliding door or French doors. Decking or a patio can be outside of the room or even a covered space similar to a Florida room. Those with second-floor suites may want to consider a small deck or balcony where bistro seating can be placed.

Luxury Bath

Owners can turn the en suite bathroom into something out of a spa. A steam shower; heated floors; separate area for the toilet, closed off from the rest of the bathroom and dual vanities and sinks can make this a place that screams luxury and comfort. Do not forget dimmer switches for lighting, and even the inclusion of some new aromatherapy technology for increasing the potential for relaxation.

TheHow To Prepare A Garden For Spring Planting

final weeks of winter, and even the first few weeks of spring, are still chilly in many parts of the world. Despite those last vestiges of winter chills, late winter is a great time to begin preparing gardens for the coming planting season. Gardens may have to withstand months of harsh weather each winter, and such conditions can take a toll. Gardeners can consider the following tips as they try to restore their gardens and get them ready for spring planting.

• Disinfect your tools. It’s common to clean tools in late fall or whenever they’re typically placed in storage for the winter. But cleaning and disinfecting are not necessarily the same thing. If tools were not disinfected at the end of the previous gardening season, disinfect them before doing any work on the garden. Doing so can ensure any lingering bacteria

or fungi on tool surfaces are killed prior to the beginning of gardening season. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, plant pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, can be transferred to and infect plants through bits of soil and plant debris left on shovels and pruner blades. Thoroughly disinfecting such tools prior to using them in the spring is a great way to reduce the risk of disease in your garden.

• Clear debris from garden beds. Leaves, twigs, sticks, and other debris may have gathered in the garden over the winter. Such debris can inhibit the growth of plants and vegetables, so make sure all of it is removed prior to planting. Weeds might even begin to sprout up in late winter and early spring, so remove them before they go to seed.

• Test the soil. Testing the soil prior to planting can help gardeners determine what their gardens will need to thrive in the coming months. Garden centers and home improvement stores sell home testing kits that are effective and easy to use. Once the results are in, speak with a professional at your local garden center about the best time to amend the soil.

• Loosen compacted soil. Soil can become compacted over winter. If compacted soil is not loosened prior to planting, plants will have a hard time getting the water and nutrients they need to thrive. Loosening the soil also provides another opportunity to inspect the garden for any underlying issues, such as fungi or weed growth, that you may have missed

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A Rundown On DIY Demos

Homeowners looking to make improvements to their homes likely want to make such projects as budgetfriendly as possible. After soliciting estimates from contractors, homeowners may seek to do some work themselves to cut costs. That is why many individuals handle

demolition and other preparatory tasks before contractors start. There are important things to keep in mind when doing a demo.

• Prybars are your friend. These tools, sometimes called crowbars, can be used to remove nails or pull materials apart.

• Cover vents in the space where you’re working. Construction dust can be sucked into the HVAC system and cause furnaces to clog. This also may cause the distribution of dust throughout the home.

• Use safety gear. Always wear safety goggles, gloves, boots, and other equipment as needed to remain safe.

• Get a power saw. Circular and reciprocating saws can cut through various materials, making faster work of demolition.

• Exercise caution when removing drywall. You don’t know what is behind the drywall, including electric wires, so be careful when choosing a spot to make the first hole in the drywall.

• Get a trash container with a gate. You’ll save yourself some aches and pains by being able to fill a wheelbarrow and dump it into the container, rather than tossing debris over the top.

• Bust up heavy or bulky items. Cast iron tubs and shower surrounds can be heavy and difficult to move. Unless it’s a family heirloom, cut or break large items into pieces to remove them more easily.

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Did You Know?

Home

renovations can improve a home in many different ways. Modifications to kitchens and bathrooms have long been popular projects, but are they the most popular renovations? According to data from Realm, which analyzed the top 10 most popular projects from roughly 2.8 million listings and permit filings in the United States, certain projects are more popular than others. Nationally, the most common home renovations include interior painting, exterior painting, finishing a basement, installing or replacing windows, and bathroom remodeling. Houzz polls have unveiled that renovating kitchens and bathrooms, new windows and porches, balcony and deck projects are among the most popular.

STEVE TSIMIS

Gardening Offers More Than A Day In The Sun

Millions

of people embrace opportunities to get back in their gardens each spring, and they might be reaping more rewards from that activity than they realize. According to the American Institute of Stress, gardening sparks a level of creativity among enthusiasts, and that can help to alleviate stress by lowering levels of the hormone cortisol. In addition, authors of a 2022 study published in the journal Urban Forestry & Urban Greening concluded that gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic helped people cope with coronavirusrelated stress through outdoor activity.

Group Plants With Similar Water Needs

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

Options To Finance Home Improvements

Renovating

a home is a great way to impart personality indoors and out. Improvements can make spaces more livable and address safety issues. Home renovations often take residents’ lifestyles into account, and changes can be customized to accommodate a growing family or an empty nest. No matter the job, home improvements tend to be costly. According to the financial resource SoFi, on average, the cost to renovate or remodel a whole house runs between $10 and $60 per square foot. Certain rooms demand a higher cost, with a kitchen, or a bathroom remodel costing around $100 to $250 per square foot due to electrical and plumbing needs. Figuring out how to pay for the improvement project is as essential to the planning process as picking out materials and contractors. The following are some financial considerations and financing options for homeowners looking to renovate their properties.

• Consider if the investment is worth it. Remodeling magazine routinely assesses common improvements and how much homeowners can expect to recoup on the investment in its annual “Cost v. Value” report. A homeowner spending $4,000 on a garage door replacement recouped 93.3 percent of the investment, whereas adding a midrange bathroom at $63,000 would only offer a 51.8 percent return. Homeowners must decide if they want to go forward with the project if they’re likely to get just a $33,000 return when they choose to sell the home later on.

• Refinance the home mortgage. Homeowners can use a cash-out mortgage refinance as a way to access thousands of dollars for a remodel. This taps into a home’s equity. Keep in mind that the mortgage will then be a new mortgage at the current interest rate and an outstanding balance higher than what was the current one. Typically 20 percent equity in the home is needed to refinance.

• Take out a personal loan. For those who do not want to refinance, a personal loan or home improvement loan can be good for midsized projects, according to American Express. Personal loans for home renovations typically require no collateral and one’s credit score determines the interest rate.

• Utilize a home equity line of credit. A HELOC is a form of revolving credit, like a credit card. Homeowners borrow against the credit line granted with the home being the collateral. As a person pays down what is owed, he or she can borrow more. This is a good idea for recurring or longterm home improvements.

• Try a home equity loan. Home equity loans use the home as collateral like a HELOC. The home equity loan is an installment loan for a fixed amount on a fixed monthly schedule for a set term. These are sometimes called second mortgages.

• No- or low-interest credit card. Smaller projects can be financed using credit cards. Many will offer introductory rates with no interest for a few months. This is generally only preferable if a person can pay off the balance before interest is charged.

These are the primary ways to finance home improvement projects when costs exceed available cash on hand.

Benefits Of Working With An Interior Designer

Homes require an investment of time, energy and money. The payoff of those investments is substantial, and the benefits of home ownership are more profound than even longtime homeowners may recognize. A report from the National Association of Realtors indicated that home ownership boosts kids’ performance in the classroom, leads to greater participation in civic and volunteer activities and improves health care outcomes, among other benefits. With so much to gain from home ownership, it’s no wonder so many people across the globe are willing to commit the time, energy and financial resources necessary to own their own homes.

Homes are undoubtedly a point of pride for millions of

homeowners, and that sense of fulfillment is even greater when interiors are up-to-date and welcoming. Home trends come and go, and busy homeowners can be forgiven if they’re not able to keep up with the latest interior design styles. That’s the job of a skilled interior designer. Working with such professionals when redoing a home’s interior can make all the difference and increase the already profound sense of pride many homeowners have in their homes.

• Interior designers can help narrow down the possibilities. A simple internet search prior to beginning a home renovation project will turn up millions of results. That can leave homeowners’ heads spinning as they try to identify their own style and plan a project that coordinates with their preferences. Experienced interior designers can help homeowners identify their style and offer practical insight as they work with clients to choose elements to incorporate into spaces they aspire to renovate.

• Interior designers can ensure a room doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. Just because a design looks good on the internet does not mean it will work well in every home, particularly if only one room is being renovated. Interior designers recognize that and can steer homeowners in the direction of designs that will fit the larger theme of the home while still offering a fresh look and feel.

• Interior designers can save homeowners money and headaches. Renovation projects can be pricey, and that price tag only goes up when mistakes are made. Interior designers advise clients on furnishings and other design components, and that advice can save homeowners money in the long run. Furnishings may be returnable, but such returns typically come with sizable fees. By directing clients toward furnishings and other components that fit the overall design scheme, interior designers are saving homeowners the cost and headaches associated with fixable yet expensive mistakes.

• Interior designs are up-to-date on the latest trends. Real estate and design trends come and go, and dated designs can adversely affect what homeowners recoup at resale. Homeowners who want to update their home interiors with the ultimate goal of selling their homes can work with experienced interior designers who know which trends are in, and which are out. That knowledge can make it easier and more lucrative to sell a home.

Homes are a significant investment, and investing in the services of an experienced interior designer can ensure homeowners maximize the value of their homes.

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to again join Long Island Cares and help it “rain food for cats and dogs” by hosting a pet food

drive now through the end of May.

Legislator Donnelly’s district office is serving as a drop-off location for the 13th Legislative Pet Food Drive where much-needed pet food and supplies will be collected to benefit Baxter’s Pet Pantry of Long Island Cares (www.licares.org). In previous years, constituents of the 17th Legislative District have generously donated to this annual drive.

All donations go directly to Baxter’s Pantry. While 5 and 10 pound bags of dog and cat food, canned food, kitty litter and new pet toys are most needed, all pet nourishments are welcome including food for hamsters, fish, birds and ferrets. Items may be dropped off at Legislator Donnelly’s District Office, located at 130 West Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station, Monday through Thursday between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm until May 31. As per health code requirements, all pet food must be unopened and in original packaging. For more information or to make an appointment to donate outside of these hours, call (631) 854-4433.

“Hard times impact all members of the family, including our animal companions,” said Legislator Donnelly. “Families shouldn’t have to decide between feeding themselves and feeding their beloved pets. I am happy to partner with Long Island cares again on this important and much needed cause.”

First renovations completed as early as this spring!

Neighborhood News: PSEG Long Island Employees Make Donation

PSEG

Long Island employees recently donated $1,000 to Merrick-based Balloon Mission, Inc. a not-for-profit organization that collects discarded balloons in an effort to protect wildlife and the environment.

Balloon safety is important to PSEG Long Island because metallic balloons can be hazardous to overhead electric lines –potentially causing fires and power outages, and also because of the negative effects released balloons can have on the ecosystem.

The donation was made through three of the company’s employee business resource groups (EBRG): GREEN, which is comprised of employee-advocates of clean energy alternatives, LI Environmental Guardians, which supports local efforts to help preserve the earth, and the Able EBRG, which champions community organizations that help people with disabilities.

The Association for Children with Down Syndrome (ACDS), which serves families of children and adults with disabilities, has been involved with Balloon Mission’s work. Adults receiving services from ACDS help Balloon Mission by collecting deflated balloons from various balloon drop box locations. The group then practices life skills by sorting and counting the balloons before they are safely and properly discarded.

Balloon Mission will use the PSEG Long Island donation to educate the public through community outreach and balloon collection programs, and by erecting informational signage at

area parks and beaches about the dangers of balloon releases. "We're so grateful for our partnership with PSEG Long Island,” said Cynthia Seibold, founder and executive director of Balloon Mission, Inc. “This donation will help fund our recycling and education programs that raise awareness about the unintended harm balloons have when they're accidentally or purposely let go in the sky. We're pioneering a balloon collection program so people can responsibly enjoy balloons. Once the fun is done, they pop-n-drop balloons in our bins knowing they're keeping animals and the environment safe, while reducing the risk of fires and power outages."

“We are supporting this wonderful organization that is raising awareness about the potential dangers balloons can have on our environment,” said Anna Keselman, co-president of the PSEG Long Island GREEN EBRG. “We are inspired by Cynthia’s enthusiasm and her organization’s mission to protect turtles, sea life and our lands.”

PSEG Long Island reminds the public that balloons released into the air can become entangled in overhead electric equipment and cause a host of problems. Metallic balloons conduct electricity and resting on an electric line or other electrical equipment could lead to power outages, fire and, possibly, injuries.

Balloons caught on electrical equipment should be reported to PSEG Long Island at 800-490-0075 so a specially trained crew can safely address the issue.

Painting Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl siding is not something that many homeowners consider painting, but it can be done. However, some contractors may not recommend it as the best option to overhaul a home. Painting siding means it will only be as durable as the paint used. It’s also essential to determine if painting vinyl will void warranties. Wood or engineered wood or fiber cement siding tend to be better options than vinyl should you want to switch colors down the line. Vinyl siding can be painted if it is done right, and it can be an affordable way to change the look of a home without investing in new siding. According to Benjamin Moore Paints, vinyl siding

that will be painted will need to be cleaned thoroughly, including the removal of any mildew, chalk or dirt, to enhance paint adhesion. Pitted or porous vinyl siding always must be primed, but others may not require priming. Choose an exterior paint designed for painting on vinyl. Two coats of paint are recommended. According to BobVila.com, paint for vinyl has acrylic and urethane resins that accommodate the expansion and contraction of vinyl and help the paint stick. Also, for the best results, the home improvement experts on the site advise painting when temperatures are mild and there is low relative humidity and an overcast sky.

The Basics Of Flipping Homes

Inrecent years, home sellers have experienced record profits as the value of real estate has risen dramatically. Bankrate indicates the median home price across the United States is around $486,000. According to WOWA, a personal finance resource in Canada, the national average price of a home in Canada was $657,145 CAD in December 2023. Flipping homes gained popularity before the spike in real-estate prices, but that increase has led some novices to consider flipping more closely. Though the chances of turning a large profit are indeed substantial in a market where high prices are the norm, potential flippers may benefit from a rundown of the practice before they decide if it’s something they want to do.

What is flipping?

Flipping works when an investor purchases a property with the intention of selling the home (or business) for profit without actually using it. The basic premise of flipping is to find a property at a low price and sell it at a much higher price, typically after renovating the home. Investopedia says it is important to complete this transaction as quickly as possible to reap the greatest return on investment.

Don’t underestimate the necessary investment of time and money

Many new flippers overestimate their skills and knowledge and lose money in the process. Common mistakes include thinking that a project will cost less or the home will be turned around quickly. It can take months to find the right property, and then there will be time needed to renovate. Costs involved include the initial sale, renovations, holding costs, and capital gains tax when the sale goes through. All of these can eat into profits.

Limited inventory makes things tougher

It can be challenging to find a good deal as everyone seemingly wants to be in real estate these days. With fierce competition in a low-inventory market, flipping can be like finding a needle in a haystack.

Know the tax benefits vs. tax risks

According to Tresa Todd, founder of the Women’s Real Estate Investors Network, flipping may be less tax-efficient in the United States than getting into investment properties. Flippers will be paying short-term capital gains instead of long-term capital gains. According to NerdWallet, capital gains taxes are paid when one sells an asset for profit. The rate at which capital gains is taxed is based on whether you hold an asset for less than a year or longer than a year. Long-term capital gains tax rates are generally lower than short-term capital gains tax rates.

Abide by the “golden rule”

Most home flippers follow the 70 percent rule. This says one should pay no more than 70 percent of what the house’s estimated ARV (after-repair value) will be, minus the cost of the repairs necessary to renovate the home, says Rocket Mortgage. The ARV is calculated by adding the current property value plus the added value of any renovations. The formula boils down to: ARV x .70 - Estimated repair costs = Maximum buying price.

Flipping may seem like a good idea, but prospective flippers should fully understand the process, including the financial commitments it requires, before purchasing a home.

Group Plants With Similar Water Needs

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

Renovations That Help Sell Homes

The adage “there’s a lid for every pot” suggests that, even in relation to the real estate market, there’s bound to be a buyer for every home on the market. Price is a significant variable in the minds of potential buyers, but there are additional factors that can affect the impression people get of a given home.Certain home features can tip the scales in favor of sellers. In fact, various renovations can help sell homes more readily. And these renovations need not cost a fortune. Putting a home on the market can be stressful, but these renovations may help it sell fast.

• A fresh coat of paint: Although painting is relatively inexpensive and a job that some do-it-yourselfers can tackle, it’s not a task relished by many. Painting is messy, it takes time, and requires moving furniture. In fact, prepping a room for painting often is the toughest component of any painting job. But fresh coats of paint can create a strong first impression. Choose a neutral color and get painting. Jennie Norris, chairwoman for the International Association of Home Staging Professionals, says gray is a “safe” color that has been trending in recent years.

• Minor bathroom remodel: Remove dated wall coverings, replace fixtures, consider re-glazing or replacing an old tub, and swap old shower doors for fast fixes in a bathroom. If there’s more room in the budget, replacing a tub, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity, and fixtures can cost roughly $10,500, says HGTV. You’ll recoup an average of $10,700 at resale, making a minor bathroom remodel a potentially worthy investment.

• Redone kitchen: The kitchen tends to be the hub of a home. This room gets the most usage and attention of any space, and it’s a great place to focus your remodeling attention. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry estimates that homeowners can recover up to 52 percent of the cost of a kitchen upgrade upon selling a home. Buyers want a functional and updated kitchen. Trending features include drawer-style microwaves and dishwashers, commercial ranges, hidden outlets, and even wine refrigerators.

• Updated heating and cooling system: Better Homes and Gardens reports that homeowners may be able to recoup 85 percent of the cost of new HVAC systems when they sell their homes. Heating, cooling and ventilation components are vital to maintain. You don’t want buyers to be taken aback by an older system, and many millennial buyers are not willing to overlook old mechanical systems.

• Fresh landscaping: A home’s exterior is the first thing buyers will see. If they pull up to a home with eye-catching landscaping and outdoor areas that are attractive yet functional, they’re more likely to be intrigued. Often buyers will equate a home that features an impressive exterior with upkeep inside as well. The American Nursery Landscape Association says the average homeowner may spend $3,500 for landscaping.

Improving a home’s chances to sell quickly and at a higher price often comes down to making smart improvements that catch the eyes of buyers.

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