/11%20Home%20Improvement

inside: NEW HOMEBUYER’S GUIDE

HOME improvement

guide

SPRING 2011

10 ways

to improve your home for

resale

page 7

Luxury

bathroom upgrades you can page 13

afford

How to

survive your

page 4

remodel

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Remodeling Disruptions: How to survive your remodel project

P

lanning a home remodel can be an exciting time for many homeowners. You can envision the changes and improvements to your home and the increased quality of life.

During your planning make sure to also consider the disruptions you may face during construction. Being prepared for these is the key to a stress free successful remodel.

Loss of privacy can be difficult for most homeowners and is important to be aware of. If you are a late riser or work from home, you may wish to alter your living, sleeping and bathing patterns during construction. Most carpenters will arrive and start work when most of you are still in your pajamas. Consider what the scheduled work hours will be when hiring your remodeling contractor and how greatly they will impact your daily life. Then discuss your situation with your contractor and make modifications to accommodate their presence in your home.

Loss of space is especially challenging during kitchen and bathroom remodels which can be very invasive. Plan ahead and create alternate living conditions that will make life a little easier. These may include creating a temporary kitchen, using an alternate bathroom or, depending on the size of your remodel, relocating altogether.

Try to avoid scheduling construction around major family events, holidays or any time of the year when you normally entertain guests. Also, be prepared that your contractor will be occupying more space than just the room being remodeled. They will need a space to store materials, tools and debris. They will also need a place to work with and cut materials and rinse off dirty tools.

Dust and dirt are inevitable in construction, but with the proper tools and techniques, your contractor can minimize its exposure to your home.

Most professional remodelers will set up dust and debris seals to contain the work areas. But even the most meticulous protection might not keep all of the dust out.

Be prepared by removing and/or covering susceptible items, such as pianos, wall art and upholstered furniture. Make sure to communicate with your contractor about any health concerns or allergies you and your family members have so additional

precautions can be taken if necessary. You should also ensure that everyone in the house, including children, pets and guests, stay out of the construction zone for their health and safety until the work is completed.

Noise is often the forgotten side effect of construction. One day the noise may be nonexistent, and the next day it might feel like it’s out of control. During construction, tools and equipment will be used and may cause a nuisance not only to you but also your neighbors (and especially pets). Know the construction schedule, and find out when the noisiest work will occur.

Then inform your household and the surrounding areas of the disruption. Consider finding a quiet and safe room for your pets to be secured in during work hours or locate alternate housing.

In conclusion, we suggest ironing out these lesser-known disruptions with your contractor and making some modifications to your living space and daily routines in order to accommodate the construction. This can be done with a little planning and preparation, and the end result will be a smoother and less disruptive remodeling experience for you and your family.

Joseph Irons, CGR GMB CAPS CGP, is the president of Irons Brothers Construction, Inc. Reprinted from HomeMatters magazine with permission from the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish counties. All rights reserved.

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Taking a closer look at your home health

BY WAYNE APOSTOLIK

M

ost of us in the Puget Sound region live in older homes that were built to standards that are no longer desirable. Our homes leak heated air to the outdoors, allow cold air to seep through numerous cracks and openings in exterior walls (which are most likely inadequately insulated) and have questionable air rising up from crawl spaces and basements. We generally have old and highly inefficient furnaces and water heaters chugging away in a basement or back room, remnants of past thinking.

The last couple of years have seen the growth of an industry that will diagnose our homes from a viewpoint of health, safety and comfort. This process is called energy auditing which is an analysis of the amount of energy a home consumes on a regular basis, the safety of the appliances providing these functions and the condition of the walls, doors, windows and insulation. Energy is consumed when heating and cooling a home, heating water and lighting a home at night. Not surprisingly, with the age of the average Seattle home, nearly all do this fairly inefficiently. An audit tells us just how inefficiently. It identifies the problem areas and what can be done to rectify them and create a healthier home.

Why would someone want an energy audit? There are as many motivations for wanting

6

one as there are homes that need one. Maybe a home is uncomfortable due to excessive heat, cold or draftiness, or there may be a concern about the safety and efficiency of the combustion appliances used to heat or cool a home, heat water or cook food. Home Performance Washington, a state-based trade organization that promotes residential energy auditing and retrofitting, indicates that there are myriad reasons for an energy audit, including enhancing your home’s overall comfort, air quality, safety, durability and efficiency.

From concerns over carbon footprints to unpleasant odors and respiratory issues, there is good reason for an audit.

Of the many motivations for wanting an audit, I do not include saving money. Those of us who have been in the industry for a while do not promote saving money as a motivation, because we feel it to be disingenuous. Using this approach does more harm than good to a fine cause.

The truth? Energy is saved and energy does cost money.

But depending on the extent and types of changes made, an investment in upgrading and repairing an underperforming home will generally be greater then the amount of money saved each month.

This means your financial return on investment may be anywhere from five to as many as 30 years away.

No matter what your reason may be, how your home performs for you is what is important. Safety, comfort and health are the benefits homeowners should consider. An audit and retrofit can be a major benefit anyone, no matter the motivation. Home Performance Washington (homeperformancewashington.org), our state trade organization.

Wayne Apostolik, CGR, GMB, CGP, CAPS, CBA, HERS, PTCS, is the president of Northwest Homecrafters in Seattle, Wash., and has been in the remodeling business for over 21 years. Reprinted from HomeMatters magazine with permission from the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish counties. All rights reserved.

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P

lanning to sell your home in 2011? As everyone knows, the real estate market is more competitive now than ever, and making the right home improvements will help you sell faster, and maybe at a better price. HomeSavvi interviewed several real estate and remodeling experts to bring you this important list.

Start from the outside and work in A prospective buyer starts by looking at the outside of the house. You’ve heard the term “curb appeal”, so let’s get really specific about it. Bob Edwardson, 30 year real estate veteran with Windermere, states “I’ve had buyers decide not to even view the home at all based on a poorly maintained exterior.

They simply say “keep driving” and we move on to the next house.”

What exactly does that mean? According to Edwardson, “First impressions are everything. The general condition of the exterior of the house which includes fresh paint, an attractive front door, walkways in good repair, and well maintained yard, all make the first impression.”

So what are the most important items for strong curb appeal?

1.Your front door and entryway.

Edwardson suggests, “Add potted plants, install a bright porch light in an attractive fixture, and ensure the doorbell or knocker works. Paint or stain the door if needed. If the walkway or steps are cracked, broken or otherwise in bad shape, get them fixed.”

2. Roof and siding.

On roofing and siding, Edwardson says, “Don’t forget to clean the roof and gutters of debris. If your roof is old, get it inspected and repaired or replaced; otherwise you can expect to reduce the price of the home by the price of a new roof.”

Chuck Reiling of Reiling Team located on Mercer Island agrees, “When roofing or siding obviously needs replacement, the buyer will typically lower their offer because of it, and then expect you to fix it anyway

wonders for helping create a consistent look and feel to the house. Attractive means no weird colors, inside or out” Haveson agrees, “Fresh paint is what is most important. Color makes less of a difference.” Edwardson suggests, “Because of our many cloudy days, choose lighter colors which reflect light better.”

The hidden stuff

Top 10 improvements to help sell your house after inspection. And, the lender may require it too.

Why pay for it twice?”

3.Garage door.

Often overlooked, the garage door actually is one improvement that will return more money than you spend on it. If yours is not working properly, or beat up from years of use, a new garage door is a must.

4. Landscaping.

You don’t need to hire an expensive landscape designer to install a waterfall and pool. You DO need to ensure that your yard looks neat and well maintained.

“Mow the lawn, water the plants, prune the trees and add fresh mulch or bark.

If you have trees or shrubs that have grown up around the windows, cut them back to add more light,” says Edwardson.

5.Windows.

Depending upon the type you have, windows can cost anywhere from $500 per window to $1,500 or more per window, installed.

Broken windows are an immediate deal killer and

must be replaced before trying to sell a home.

What about replacing older, single pane windows?

“Buyers in Puget Sound are often environmentally sensitive, so energy efficient windows are very desirable vs. single pane older windows. If you plan on moving 5 years from now, put in the windows now so you can enjoy the warmth and benefit yourself,” advises Edwardson.

Ok, the exterior is in great shape, and you’ve got the buyer into the house.

Now what?

6 and 7. According to Reiling, the kitchen and bathrooms are the most important.

“The most prominent dis-satisfiers inside the house are unattractive or disgusting kitchen and bath situations – cracked and discolored tile and grout, cracked or curled floors, and mold-stained seams and caulking.

“If your house has a good floor plan and good setting – but the kitchen or bathrooms, are badly outdated,

especially the master bath, then it may be worthwhile to do a remodel of both, ” says Reiling. “The cost can be modest, and the buyer rejection or low-balling they prevent is worth far more than the cost,” he adds.

We asked Craig Haveson of STS Remodeling in Seattle what he suggests for kitchen or bath remodeling before a sale. “In either room, a new countertop, flooring and fresh paint will do wonders. If you do just that, you’ve improved every surface in the room without spending a bundle.”

8. Don’t forget the floors!

If you have hardwood floors in good shape, a quick refinishing may be all you need. If you have peeling linoleum, or cracked tile, plan to replace it before selling, or plan to reduce the price of the house by the amount it will cost to get that done.

9. Where does a fresh coat of paint fit in?

According to Reiling, “Paint is cheap and does

2011 Home Improvement & First Time Home Buyer’s Guide

10. Finally, what about the non-cosmetic items such as water heaters, insulation, and plumbing?

“Old infrastructure items such as water heaters, furnaces and plumbing systems can be a deterrent to a sale. Get your furnace serviced and hang an inspection sticker on it,” says Edwardson.

Final advice from the professionals?

Realistically assess the time horizon you’ll stay in the house, and make appropriate changes to fit your budget, lifestyle and selling objectives.

“Don’t assume that the house in “as is” condition will be acceptable to buyers – and that the buyer won’t mind making the improvements. There is less tolerance in the market for product deficiencies,” says Edwardson.

Haveson advises, “In today’s environment, you should renovate either to enjoy the way you live in the house more, or to repair obvious defects that will hinder a home sale. The days of renovating a house to sell it for more than the cost of the improvements are over.”

Finally, says Reiling, “If you are thinking ahead about selling in a few years, why not do the remodel now and enjoy it? One of the most common comments we get from sellers who have recently remodeled to get ready for the sale is “I don’t know why we didn’t do it sooner. Now we almost don’t want to leave.”

Do yourself a favor, and do it now.”

Printed with permission from HomeSavvi, Your Personal Guide to Home Improvement. www.homesavvi.com. To read this article online go to: http:// bit.ly/hKq271

NEW HOME BUYERS GUIDE

9 ways to prepare for home ownership 1. Decide what you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income.

2. Develop your home wish list. Then, prioritize the features on your list.

3. Select where you want to live. Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you’d like to live in, taking into account schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety.

4. Start saving Ideally, you should have 20 percent of the purchase price saved as a down payment. Also, don’t forget to factor in closing costs. Closing costs average between 2 and 7 percent of the home price.

5. Get your credit in order. Obtain a copy of your credit report to make sure it is accurate and to correct any errors immediately.

6. Determine your mortgage qualifications. Explore different loan options — such as 30-year or 15-year fixed mortgages or ARMs — and decide what’s best for you.

7. Get preapproved.

Organize all the documentation a lender will need to preapprove you for a loan.

8. Weigh other sources of help with a down payment. Do you qualify for any special mortgage or down payment assistance programs?

9. Calculate the costs of homeownership. This should include property taxes, insurance, maintenance and utilities, and association fees, if applicable.

Source: Real Estate Checklists and Systems, www.realestatechecklists.com.

7

Spare bedroom, hobby studio or man cave?

Create a dream basement

NEW HOME BUYERS GUIDE

Who are these people?

Y

ou’ll meet many different people in your home buying process, but who are they? Are they all necessary? What do they do? Here we break down the roles people play in this process.

Mortgage Broker: This person (or company) acts as a go-between for prospective homebuyers and banks or direct lenders.

Banks and other lenders can sell their own mortgages, but the broker can make the match between the exact product the buyer wants and the products offered by lenders. According to Wikipedia, 68% of residential loans in the U.S. in 2004 were begun by mortgage brokers. A broker will pre-approve prospective buyers for loan products and gather and process the paperwork for the deal. Most states require that the mortgage broker have a license.

Real Estate Agent: This person acts as a go-between for buyers and sellers of real estate. An agent can act as a buyer’s agent, a seller’s agent, or both. When acting as a buyer’s agent, they help buyers to buy property for the lowest price under the best terms. When acting as a seller’s agent, their agreement with the seller is to market and sell the seller’s property for the highest price under the best terms. If there is not a signed agreement with the prospective buyer or seller, the agent may choose to represent both parties. An agent is required to have a license to operate in most of the United States. They are paid on commission.

Courtesy of ARA content

It’s

no longer a dark, gloomy place to stash holiday supplies, store neglected exercise equipment or hide out-ofdate furniture. Basements are becoming “dream spaces” for many baby boomers and their loved ones.

Whether it’s a private living suite to accommodate a child or grandchild who’s moved back home, a cheerful craft studio or a fully loaded man cave, basement renovations are popular home improvement options.

“Today many baby boomers are remodeling their homes instead of building or moving to a new one,” says Pella Windows & Doors spokesperson, Kathy Krafka Harkema.

“Kitchens and bathrooms are often remodeled, and today basements are also being updated to create fun entertainment zones. Adding new windows and using warm colors can transform a basement into a home gym, workshop, wine cellar or a high-tech media room.”

Safety first Renovating the basement and adding bedrooms? You’ll likely need egress windows to create an easily accessible exit in case of a fire. Essential

8

for safety, egress (emergency escape and rescue) windows also lighten up a dark basement - making it more inviting.

Egress windows are larger than a common basement window, syas Cordell Burton, Pella product qualification manager. Egress defines the minimum width, height and square footage of the window opening. “Each level of the home has different egress requirements,” Burton says.

Window shopping Casement windows - featuring one hinged sash that cranks out - are easy to open and a popular choice for basements, Burton says. However, casements require a wider window well on the home exterior, so consider that in your remodeling plans. Pella offers many energy-efficient casement window options, ranging from vinyl and fiberglass composite to wood styles.

If exterior space is limited, Burton suggests a sliding window - featuring two sashes where one sash slides left or right. Sliding egress windows must meet higher width requirements and are available in budget-friendly vinyl and fiberglass options.

Consult with a local building code expert or make sure your contractor is familiar with your area’s building

codes before beginning a basement renovation, Burton advises.

Wonderful walkouts If your home has a walkout basement, consider adding a beautiful new patio door to create an impressive focal point inside and out.

Here’s an additional tip from Burton: If you have limited patio space outside, install an in-swing hinged patio door - one that opens into your basement, providing more usable space on the patio. Consider your climate conditions as well. In areas with heavy snowfall, an in-swing hinged patio door may be your best option.

But if you have limited room inside, consider an out-swing hinged door.

Or opt for sliding patio doors, like the energy-efficient new Pella 350 Series vinyl patio door line, which features distinctive design possibilities with a choice of two-, three- or fourpanel doors to create more natural light and an expanded view. Optional shades or blinds are permanently sealed between the glass to stay clean, provide light control and increased privacy. And the blind design with no room-side cords is safer for homes with children and pets.

2011 Home Improvement & First Time Home Buyer’s Guide

Escrow Company/Officer: Very simply, an escrow handles a deposit of money by one party for the delivery to another party once certain instructions have been completed. The escrow holder is under obligation to ensure that all instructions and terms have been met in a timely manner. They also provide a Closing Statement to this effect. It is important that the prospective homebuyers actually read and understand all the written instructions and ask for explanations of anything not understood. The escrow officer may not supply legal advice or opinion to homebuyers. Their job is to ensure completion of all instructions given by the principals in the escrow.

Home Inspector: A home inspection by a home inspector is not required to buy real estate—but it is a very, very good thing to do to ensure you don’t purchase any costly surprises with your property. A home inspector will “assess the condition of the residence at the time of the inspection using visual observations, simple tools.” (Washington State Standards of Practice for Home Inspectors & Inspections) In Washington state, home inspectors are now required to be licensed by the state. They provide an unbiased report looking at the foundation, basement/crawl space, exterior walls, flooring, the heating/cooling systems, electrical and plumbing systems. They’ll also inspect a fireplace or wood stove, interior walls and door frames, ceilings, attics, closets, the condition of windows and check for the presence of smoke detectors. They also look at the condition of the roof, gutters and downspouts, any porches or decks and any outbuildings such as garages or sheds.

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Courtesy of ARA content

What’s in store for home decorating in 2011?

No matter what your taste, you’ll have no problem finding a hue in the 2011 forecast of popular paint colors to fit your lifestyle ... and your tastes.

“The 2011 color forecast contains some extraordinarily versatile and contrasting hues that have been inspired by everyday life,” says Donna Schroeder, color marketing and design manager for Dutch Boy Paints. “The depth and range of what we’re predicting to be next year’s most popular colors provide extensive options for adding accents to a room, changing themes and styles, or even completely redecorating from scratch.”

All of next year’s color trends hues can be found within Dutch Boy’s innovative Color Simplicity System. The five 2011 trend palettes are as follows:

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The appreciation of old and naturally rusted or decayed items is prevalent in Dutch Boy’s first palette. The passage of time is held sacred, and beauty is seen in all things weathered from time and the elements. There is a strong influence of holding onto heritage as we continue to move forward and look to the future. A true appreciation of craftsmanship and natural materials and finishes abounds.

As such, rusty colors that emanate deep warmth are featured. These include: Brick Fleck, Bittersweet Orange, Nature’s Way and Chestnuts Roasting.

Sustainability and the respect for the environment are now a lifestyle. There’s a sense of personal responsibility when it comes to nature. This is reflected in these saturated and wholesome colors. Rich greens are nature inspired and warm golds mirror the vegetables found in a farmers market. Colors in this palette include the following: Aubusson Vine, Endless Ocean, Brilliant Impression and Nectar.

Wonder.

Escapism and nature-in-theextreme drive the next trend.

There’s a definite need for fun and fantasy to satisfy that inner child that’s in all of us. This trend comes to life with colors such as bright fuchsia, deep blue and cheery aqua, all balanced by a nature-inspired green. You’ll find a hint of 80s influence here, but the combinations are much newer to the eye. Colors include the following: Moonlit Sky, Rockets, Merlot Grape and Victory Red.

Functionality.

On the flip side, there are those who embrace a truly practical way of living and look into the depths and layers of nature.

Within this trend, texture is key and colors are soft and faded.

Windswept and washed effects and monochromatic layering set this palette. Colors include the following: Boardwalk Blue, Composed Bloom, Spruce Hollow and Range Brown.

Abyss.

The last 2011 trend revolves around technology. Here, technology influences a strippedto-the-bone or cellular level of design. The color palette reflects a void element, as we move into the future and become ever more reliant on online and virtual communication. Colors are neutral and gray and include the following Dutch Boy hues: Gargoyle Shadow, Fresh Linen, Pursuit of Happiness and Piccolo.

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Research the area where you wish to build.

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Decide on the type of new construction you want. Do you intend to buy land and then hire a contractor or are you interested in finding a new development and selecting from a series of

Reprinted from HomeMatters magazine with permission from the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish counties. All rights reserved.

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handled customer service after the sale? You want to know that your contractor is there for you after he hands you the keys.

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floor plans the builder is offering in this new community? Most new communities offer a specific set of floor plans, but builders frequently offer upgrades and amenities you can choose yourself.

Plan out your budget, including any contingencies that may arise. Be realistic and look at new homes in the area to determine sale prices based on square footage, which will help you in talking to prospective builders.

Get a reputable list of contractors. You should never consider hiring any contractor who is not licensed by the state.

Do your research.

Once you have a list of builders, stop by an open house. Ask to visit homes the builder has built and talk with the owners. Did the builder do what was promised in a timely manner? Verify the contractor’s information with the state, and ask for references. Who

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5 ‘luxury’ bathroom upgrades that don’t cost a bundle

It’s

probably safe to say that no potential buyer ever passed on a house because the bathroom was just too lovely and luxurious.

And few of us would prefer to come home at the end of the day to decompress in an outdated bathroom with a shabby shower and cabinets that have seen better days.

A beautiful bathroom can help potential buyers overlook other flaws in a home. And the bath is one room where homeowners can be confident their renovation dol-

lars will yield not only improved home value, but enhanced enjoyment as well.

Fortunately, you don’t have to spend lavishly to elevate the luxury quotient of your home’s bathroom. Here are five “luxury” upgrades that can be done on a moderate - or even modest budget:

1. Lighten up with a skylight When it comes to creating a comfortable, energy-efficient ambiance in a room, it’s hard to beat Mother Nature.

4. Upscale downstairs Think your down-

2. Shower your- stairs powder room or self with luxury first-floor master bath

Venting skylights exhaust heat and humidity while providing privacy and natural light.

Courtesy of ARA content

tra cozy, accessories are an economical, effective way to add luxurious touches to your bathroom.

Natural light helps reduce dependency on artificial light sources and the electricity they consume, and can have a positive effect on mood and overall health. You may hesitate to add a large, clear window to a bathroom, but skylights are a great way to add the luxuriousness of natural light without compromising on privacy. Choose a venting style which can also be a cost-effective way to help vent humidity, steam and odors from a bathroom. New models, like Velux America’s No

Ripping out that old ceramic tile and replacing it with the trendiest stone may not be in your budget, or your shower’s future, but swapping out a standard showerhead with something more luxurious probably is.

It’s easy to find a variety of showwerheads - from rainfall and massaging, to hand-held or dualhead and multi-jet - that will elevate your daily washing routine to a spa-quality experience.

What’s more, a new showerhead is one of the easiest bathroom renovations to do yourself, even if you have no previous DIY experience.

3. Accessorize, accessorize Who doesn’t love warm, plush bath towels? Or foot-soothing rugs that protect tootsies from cold floors? It makes sense not to skimp when it comes to choosing towels, area rugs and other accessories for your bath.

Even top-quality accessories cost less than major renovations, and they can go a long way toward making your bathroom feel polished, put-together and posh.

From good bath linens to a towel-warmer that can make them feel ex-

2011 Home Improvement & First Time Home Buyer’s Guide

can’t soak up some sun? Think again. To bring natural light and warmth into a first-floor bathroom, simply add a sun tunnel. This variation on the traditional skylight uses reflective tubing connected to a low profile acrylic dome that sits on your roof to deliver diffused, natural sunlight to interior spaces, allowing you to enjoy the luxury of natural sunlight in your first-floor, windowless bath. Add a light kit, and you’ve got a 24-hour light source.

5. Heat things up If you’ve ever stepped out of a relaxing warm shower only to find yourself shivering in a cold bathroom, adding a touch of warmth to the room may seem like the ultimate luxury.

You can find an array of heaters that work well in a bathroom setting, from wall units that will put warm air at body level, to overhead lamps that warm from above.

You can even find combo units that both heat the bathroom and warm your towel at the same time, or exhaust fans that remove moist, cold air and replace it with warm air.

NEW HOME BUYERS GUIDE

First time home buyers’ programs in Washington Washington State Housing Finance Commission www.wshfc.org

This commission works (in part) to increase “housing access and afforability.” They currently offer Home Buyer Programs offering competitive fi xed-rate loans, down payment assistance, and Homebuyer Education Seminars.

For low and moderateincome homebuyers.

Washington Homeownership Resource Center

www.homeownership-wa.org

A non-profit agency that strives “to increase and preserve homeownership for low and moderate-income individuals and families throughout Washington State.” Call the free Homeownership Hotline (877-894-4663) for a home ownership readiness assessment to help determine eligibility for various first time homebuyer programs.

For low and moderateincome homebuyers.

Homestead Community Land Trust

www.homesteadclt.org

Why buy a Land Trust home? It’s affordable! This is a private, non-profit organization that buys land. A homebuyer buys a Land Trust home at below market price, while the land the home sits on remains in the land trust and is leased long term.

The homeowner then agrees to sell the home at an affordable price when they choose to move. All improvements, privacy and tax advantages are theirs. For low and moderate-income homebuyers.

13

Five most important kitchen trends for 2011 As kitchen design ideas evolve, kitchens more than ever represent the most important room in the house. No longer just for cooking, kitchens are used by the whole family for entertaining, doing homework, watching TV and reading. Find out what the top kitchen designers in our network have to say about the newest appliances, kitchen cabinets, kitchen islands, countertops and kitchen backsplashes for 2011.

1. Kitchen design is simplified

As kitchens continue to expand in use, including casual entertaining, family gatherings, TV watching and even workspace, kitchen design in 2011 becomes even more simple. What does that mean?

Focus on kitchen designs and kitchen appliances that are unfussy, ergonomical, sustainable, easy to use and maintain.

“Kitchen design is definitely becoming more simple,” explains Roshele Allison, owner of NW Home Designers based in Mercer Island, WA. “For instance, in the 1990s, popular kitchen cabinets had lots of detail and design. Beading, distressed and glazed finishes were all popular. Now it’s all about clean lines, and very minimalistic, amazingly simple design.”

This means little or no cabinet hardware, appliance garages to hide clutter, and slab cabinet fronts that cover everything from refrigerators to trash compactors.

European countries such as Sweden and Italy are leading the contemporary trend, with appliances matching cabinets for uniform design, or using striking wood grains for cabinet doors, such as veneer or zebra wood.

2. Color goes dark, drama moves in

More than ever, homeowners want to make sure the investment they make in their homes is going to stand the test of time, but this doesn’t mean they

14

have to compromise on drama, looks, or functionality.

“What I’m hearing from our clients is that they want more “timeless” design that will hold up over many decades and not be readily identifiable as having been installed during a particular decade. There was a run on maple cabinets, granite counters and stainless appliances over a number of years. We’re now seeing interest in darker woods and furniture pieces or furniture-style cabinets in kitchens,” says Anne Higuera, Co-owner of Ventana Construction LLC based in Seattle, WA. Kitchen color is moving towards a much darker palette using neutral grays, taupes and creams. Gray, which can go glossy or matte, is definitely here to stay, and is commonly paired with brown and white.

The other complimentary trend, especially popular with Gen X homeowners, is to use bright color as a unique décor expression. For instance, use a neutral palette for cabinets, flooring and walls paired with a brilliant red countertop.

“Today, the kitchen has become much more than the heart of the home, it is becoming the new living room,” says Paula Kennedy, Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer at Timeless Kitchen Design based in Redmond, WA. “I strongly encourage homeowners to personalize their kitchen if they know they’ll stay in their homes for another five to 10 years.”

Hardwood floors from bamboo to maple remain a kitchen favorite, with color trending toward darker stains.

3. Shed some light on it

Older kitchens typically have a single light fixture in the center of the ceiling. New kitchen designs include lots of task lighting for specific areas of the kitchen in prep areas, over the sink and eating areas.

In addition to installing lights under upper cabinets, directly over pantries, and over work islands and other spaces, new kitchens now include lots of electrical outlets for maximum flexibility and func2011 Home Improvement & First Time Home Buyer’s Guide

tionality.

And, don’t forget that starting in 2012, Federal law requires new bulbs to use 25 to 30 percent less energy – starting with the 100-watt bulb. By 2014, other incandescent bulbs, including the 75-, 60- and 40-watt, will also be phased out across the country.

What does that mean? Kitchens (and the rest of the house) will be lit either with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) or light emitting diodes (LEDs).

Currently, CFLs take several seconds to reach their brightest, and LEDs emit light that is often considered “cold” in color and insufficient for general lighting uses, such as for an overhead light. Because LEDs last up to 50,000 hours, newer “warm” LEDs are being developed to meet consumer demand.

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, kitchen designers are increasingly incorporating LEDs in their designs, while skipping over CFLs.

4. Granite is gone

Granite is losing its lead as the number one request for countertops as other sustainable material alternatives are gaining in popularity. In the same price range as granite, newer sustainable materials choices for countertops include Paperstone , manufactured quartz such as Silestone, Caesarstone or Zodiaq, and waterproof wood. All will cost approximately $150 - $250 per square foot, which includes fabrication and installation.

Paperstone is a sustainable material made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper and resins. It excels in a variety of creative uses in addition to countertops, including cutting boards, cutlery handles, and cabinets. Manufactured quartz counters Silestone, Caesarstone and Zodiaq come in a wide variety of beautiful colors and started appearing in US kitchens in the 1990s.

According to Higuera, water-proof wood countertops are also gaining in popularity. Wood isn’t cheap and will cost the same as granite. It’s useful for people who [ more KITCHEN page 15 ]

[ KITCHEN from page 14] love to cook and want lots of space for chopping and dicing. However, wood counters requires frequent oiling and can be dented or scorched.

How do you know which countertop trend to follow?

Advises Higuera, “Before settling on a countertop material, homeowners need to understand how that particular material will really work in their homes.

Too often I see homeowners disappointed when they realize a surface that looks great also holds oil or shows fingerprints, and will need more time and care to clean.”

5. Kitchen appliances go European

Europe is not just influencing kitchen style, it also brings new trends in kitchen appliances. Frenchdoor refrigerators are a fairly recent design twist that combines side-by-side refrigerator doors with a single bottom pull-out freezer drawer. Frenchdoor refrigerators let you open just one side of the

refrigerator, so less cool air escapes. At the same time, you’ll still be able to fit in wider items such as sheet cakes and pizza boxes. Although they offer a bit less usable interior space and cost more than other types, French-door refrigerators are gaining in popularity. While initially priced at more than $3,000, French-door refrigerators have come down in price, and now mostly range between $1,400 and $2,000 from a variety of manufacturers.

Induction cooktops, highly popular in Europe, are increasing in popularity in the U.S. They are easier to clean, maintain and are more energy efficient than gas or electric cooktops. According to John Maas, store manager at Albert Lee Appliances, “While these cooktops are more expensive initially, the energy savings and easy maintenance pay for themselves over time.”

Printed with permission from HomeSavvi, Your Personal Guide to Home Improvement. ww.homesavvi.com. To read this article online go to: http://bit.ly/eeXSxQ

NEW HOME BUYERS GUIDE

Neighborhood research resources NeighborhoodScout.com

Find the best neighborhood for you. Like your current neighborhood but have to move? Find a similar neighborhood in another city with this site.

Get details about neighborhoods you’re interested in.

Recommended by Money magazine.

You Are Where You Live

Get an idea of the type of people that live in a specific ZIP code. There are 66 categories of people that the Nielsen Company divides people into based on demographic and consumer habits. (For example, the “Home Sweet Home” category of people tend to be suburban, of upper-middle income, order from Sears. com and drive a VW Passat.) Search “You Are Where You Live.”

GreatSchools.org

Read and post reviews of schools. Includes over 200,000 listings of both private and public schools, preschool through high school.

WalkScore.com

Is walkability important to you? If so, this website can help you compare this aspect of any neighborhood. Type in any address and get a score from 0 to 100 (100 being a “Walker’s Paradise”)

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16

Imagine purchasing flooring that is soft to the touch and easy to maintain but can handle loads of traffic and suits almost any décor. Add to that the abilities to absorb sound and guard against temperature changes, and you have just described cork flooring.

Cork flooring has been around since the 1900s and offers many benefits. Created from the bark of trees, which grows back in about nine years, cork flooring is an environmentally friendly product. It works well for those who suffer from allergies and stands up to a lot of wear and tear. Cork flooring is also resistant to water, making it a good choice for public buildings and residential kitchens and bathrooms. Any spills that occur will not penetrate the wood and can be wiped up easily. Cork flooring maintains a fairly even temperature, too, and won’t be cold on the feet.

Cork flooring is available as a floating floor or as tiles. Often the condition of the subfloor determines the type of cork flooring to use. For a cracked, dirty subfloor, a floating floor is best; for a cleaner subfloor, tiles may work. When dealing with a con-

crete slab, a floating cork floor is advised and a moisture barrier must be installed over the slab. In cases where tiles are essential, installing a moisture barrier over the slab and a plywood subfloor on top of that is recommended.

Although cork flooring is very durable, cracks can occur, especially during installation. Fortunately, they are easily repaired.

All the person must do is sand the edges of a scrap piece of cork flooring to create cork dust and mix the dust with polyurethane to form a putty. They can then pack the putty into whatever small cracks may exist, let dry and coat with polyurethane.

Cork flooring comes in an array of colors, and it can even be stained and stenciled, as long as the flooring does not have a surface finish. Water-based stains and paints are recommended, and once the floor is completely dry, it must be sealed with at least three coats of water-based polyurethane.

If you are looking for a flooring product that will withstand all of the foot traffic in your home and won’t wreak havoc on your allergies or the environment, then cork flooring may be an option. As with any flooring purchase, do your homework first and know what you are putting underfoot.

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