/2010%20Fall%20H&G

2010

Fall

HOME & GARDEN Outdoor Living Space Do-It Yourself: Pavers Go Green, Keep Cost Down Improve Water Pressure Small Upgrades Protect Home Value

A supplement to the Courier-Herald

Page 2 • Fall Home & Garden • The Courier-Herald • September 22, 2010

Pavers are a family project Satisfaction comes with a job well done

By Brenda Sexton Staff Writer

We’ve been waiting 10 years to tackle our yard.

It wasn’t that it was an

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eyesore or intolerable, we points a great deal. were looking for someThis was really two thing more carefree and projects, a 100-foot long, practical. We wanted 3 1/2-foot wide path from something easy to our shed in the back mow. A fence that yard, through our didn’t need to be swampy side yard, Do It raised after every to the front sideYourself walk. It has two, wind storm.

Garden beds to approximately collect a harvest 3-foot arms that and a pathway to branch off to the keep our feet dry dur- patio and the side garage ing the prolonged Pacific door. Through the years, Northwest rainy season. we had worn paths in We hired some of it out, these areas trekking from but did most ourselves, the house to the garbage including the toughest can, recycling receppiece – a paver walkway tacle and compost bin. and patio.

Dragging the recycling, This was a family proj- yard waste and garbage ect. It involved all four cans weekly to the curb of us – my talented hus- meant wading through a band, our two industri- spongy, mucky, nasty area ous and strong teens and of grass and mud. well, me, who stands with my hands on my hips and SEE PAVERS, PAGE 11

Laying pavers created a dry walkway through a normally muddy area.

Photo by Brenda Sexton/To view or buy photos go to www.courierherald.com.

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September 22, 2010 • The Courier-Herald • Fall Home & Garden • Page 3

Small improvements protect biggest asset Your home is a special place, a sanctuary where you can relax and rejuvenate. It may also be your most valuable asset, the single largest investment you make.

“Modest improvements can go a long way to enhance your home’s look and feel.

And using multi-purpose materials will help you get the most out of your budget and protect your investment,” says Scott McGillivray, host of the hit television series “Income Property.”

Here are some creative ways to stretch those home improvement dollars: White’s the New Black The U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu took a lot of heat for suggesting Americans paint their roofs white to reduce climate change, but he actually was onto something. Dark roofs absorb heat, raising carbon dioxide emissions and air conditioning bills.

Homeowners who need to buy a new roof or do repairs should consider installing light-colored materials or white roof coating. To learn about different coating options, do a little research at www.roofcoatings.org. You’ll not only protect your home’s exterior, but you’ll reduce home

energy bills and potentially help the planet.

Moonlighting Insulation Insulation isn’t just for maintaining indoor temperature anymore. Recent innovations in insulation allow it to safeguard your home, in addition to keeping it comfortable.

New technologies, such as insulation made from natural rock, provide additional benefits such as fire protection, soundproofing and water repellency.

One such new insulation, Roxul ComfortBatt, is a thermal stone wool insulation for exterior walls, attics and crawlspaces that’s also fire-resistant. Another stone wool insulation product, Safe’n’Sound, is well-suited for interior walls and serves as soundproofing material. Both types of insulation are water-repellent to protect against mildew and mold.

Before starting an insulation project, check out a free room-by-room “where to insulate” guide at www.roxul.com. It’s all about making your home safer and quieter while improving energy efficiency.

Free Rain Gutters are essential for preventing rain

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Page 4 • Fall Home & Garden • The Courier-Herald • September 22, 2010

Cutters Fall

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Flue Size.......................................... 3”

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EPA Grams Per Hour ................... 1.6 Oregon DEQ Efficiency ..........70.2% Heating Capacity* ....700-1400 sq. ft.

Max. Output* ..........68,000 BTUs/hr.

Max. Burn Times* ................. 6-8 hrs.

Winslow Insert

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Pellets .................................... Standard Heat Capacity* ........... 900-2000 sq. ft.

Max. BTU Output ... 37,800(4.5 lbs/hr.)

Max. BTU Output ... 15,120(1.8 lbs/hr.)

Blower ..................................... 150-CFM Hopper Capacity ...................... 55 lbs.

Flue Size.......................................... 3” *Square-feet heating capacities are approximations only. Actual performance may vary depending upon home design ad insulation, ceiling heights, climate condition and type of fuel used, appliance location, burn rate, accessories chosen, chimney installation and how the appliance is operated. **Can be reduced to 40-lb. capacity to fit small fireplace openings

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Outdoor living space can be used even after weather turns Many homeowners think an outdoor living space is one that can only be used during the warmweather months. However, if done right, individuals can enjoy outdoor rooms for much of the year.

Creating a comfortable, intimate and private outdoor space offers a spot to which a person can retire after a long day -- especially a person who enjoys the delights of Mother Nature.

Outdoor rooms can be customized depending on the space one has, meaning homeowners or renters with any size yard or patio area can enjoy an outdoor room.

Starting the project first requires determining where the outdoor space will be situated. Most people prefer to keep it close to the house for easy access. It’s also important to consider how many seasons will be enjoyed outdoors. This will determine the accessories needed. For example, those who want to stretch outdoor living into the late autumn may want to invest in a chiminea or outdoor fireplace to provide a focal point and warm place to converge when the weather is brisk. Those who only desire a summer area may want an arbor or pergola to keep the area cooler when the sun is scorching.

Keep in mind that this area of the outdoors should be private; otherwise it

Today’s News...Today!

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All New at: www.courierherald.com

probably won’t be used much. Plants, trellis, garden structures, and other elements can help to keep the area blocked off from prying eyes. Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that will make an effective privacy screen.

Next, consider plants that provide aesthetic appeal. If the outdoor room will be used for three seasons, use a variety of plants that will ensure blooms all year long.

Consider plants that will feed wildlife and attract butterflies and birds. Greenery tends to create a relaxing space. Don’t forget a few evergreen shrubs or trees if the space will be enjoyed past the summer.

Think about comfortable furniture to add to the space.

Stores sell so many different varieties of outdoor furniture, from traditional patio sets to chaises and sofas that rival ones that would normally be found indoors.

Accessorize as one would inside, adding side tables, throw pillows (in weatherresistant fabrics) and ottomans. The goal is comfort and convenience.

Don’t forget lighting.

While there’s bound to be plenty of sunlight during the day, individuals who want to sit outdoors at night should think about wired or solar lighting. Candles or a fire in a fire pit also can provide ample illumination.

Homeowners going above and beyond can shield the outdoor room from the elements even further by building a screened-in outdoor space.

This will help keep bugs at bay and provide shelter if it rains. Use curtains or shutters to give the area a cozy appeal.

StatePoint.net.

September 22, 2010 • The Courier-Herald • Fall Home & Garden • Page 5

One unique piece can make a room special Tired of cookie-cutter decor from the mall?

Looking for ways to brighten up your home without doing major remodeling?

Why not add a signature piece to every room that reflects your own unique style?

Signature pieces are often works of art that serve as focal points for the room, a hallmark of your taste and good sense to invest in your home.

Here are some roomby-room ideas to get you started:

Bedroom Many people invest in a fancy headboard not realizing the actual focal point of many bedrooms is the bedding, which establishes the color palette and mood for the room. Draping your bed in a designer duvet can make your bedroom a den of decadence. Look for one in luxurious fabrics, such as silk, or with unique patterns such as paisley or geometric shapes.

The added bonus is that

you can mask an ugly but cozy comforter, creating an aura of luxury and comfort.

If you really want to indulge your senses, spring for quality sheets with a high-thread count -- 1000 is nice, but 500 will suffice.

Kitchen The kitchen is the heart of every home, the engine

room that keeps your family running, so it makes sense to turn it into a warm, inspiring space. Adding a high-quality designer range will not only brighten any kitchen, it will serve as a stylish accent piece. Bertazzoni, maker of authentic Italian kitchen appliances, offers a variety of ranges that combine an

elegant look with innovative technology.

“Our fifth generation family business combines timeless Italian design with quality engineering to create a line of kitchen appliances that are a focal point of any kitchen,” says Paolo Bertazzoni. “Our cooking technology allows home-

owners who share a passion for food, to create gourmet dishes that bring family and friends together.”

You can window-shop their creations at bertazzoni-italia.com.

Living Room Original art is a great

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Page 6 • Fall Home & Garden • The Courier-Herald • September 22, 2010

New mattress part of bedroom makeover Overhauling a bedroom involves different renovations. Purchasing a new mattress is among the typical upgrades when refurbishing the bedroom.

It can be difficult to determine when it’s time to buy a new mattress. An older mattress may still seem comfortable. Unlike a light bulb that burns out or

an appliance that no longer works efficiently, detecting changes in mattress comfort can be a little more challenging.

Obvious signs include

sagging or lumping of the mattress, creaking and unsupportive edges.

However, subtle signs can be recognized by the rest a person gets – or rather, how

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little rest a person gets. Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or feeling unrefreshed after awakening may be signs that it’s time to replace the mattress. Back pain or stiffness can also be indicators.

Once it is determined that a new mattress is in order, individuals should purchase one that fits their sleeping needs.

Size It’s important to find the right size mattress for one’s needs.

Twin and full-size mattresses should be reserved for solo sleepers, primarily children. Couples who try to squeeze onto a full mattress will definitely find themselves competing for space.

Queen mattresses are a preferred option for many couples. They can also be a good choice for single sleepers who like to sprawl out. Queen mattresses are 5 inches longer than full mattresses, making them ideal for taller people.

King mattresses are the largest of the offerings.

They provide 38 inches of sleeping space per sleeper, if there are two in the bed. That’s the equivalent of a twin mattress each. A king mattress will provide the space one needs, provided the bedroom is large enough to accommodate a king-sized bed.

Support System Mattresses are constructed in different ways, offering different levels of comfort and durability.

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Inner-spring: Several rows of coiled springs form the inner suspension of this type of mattress. Foam and padding cover the springs.

Some inner-spring mattresses have an individually wrapped coil system rather than inter-connected springs. This reduces movement disturbances.

Latex and memory foam: These mattresses feature several layers of foam or latex to form the mattress.

They are especially good at reducing the feeling of motion, which is a boon for couples who are often awakened by their bed partner.

Softness Depending on the position of sleeping, certain mattresses are better than others.

Back and stomach sleepers should consider a firm mattress because they properly align the spine. Plus, firm mattresses are better for couples who share a bed and have different sleeping needs. They’re firm enough for back and stomach sleepers, yet soft enough to eliminate pressure points for side sleepers.

Side sleepers may want a pillowtop mattress, which will be the softest of the options. This eliminates extra pressure in the hips and shoulders.

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September 22, 2010 • The Courier-Herald • Fall Home & Garden • Page 7

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We all know we need to conserve energy, cut fuel bills, and reduce our carbon footprint, but sometimes it seems that doing good can cost you a bundle – especially when it comes to environmentally-friendly home improvements.

Going green doesn’t have to mean losing green.

Doing so now can save you cash, particularly on electric bills.

“With a little know-how and some affordable products, you can create a home that uses energy efficiently and saves you money,” says Mei Noguchi, President of Sentina, a company that manufactures cost-effective LED lighting solutions.

It’s easy to get started: • Look for Stars: Home appliances can look alike, but they often vary greatly in energy use. Look for appliances marked with an Energy Star, the federal government’s label for energy efficient appliances.

And read the yellow and black Energy Guide sticker, which has an energy effi-

ciency rating. The lower the number, the more energy and money you’ll save.

• Light the Way: Whether indoor or outdoor, LED lights can light a walkway for pennies a day. Formerly limited to traffic lights and airplane emergency exit routes, LED lights now combine efficiency with aesthetics for home kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, bedrooms and patios. Check out SentinaSmart.com, maker of the ZenLight, which combines Japanese Shoji Paper and LED lighting to create a soothing, peaceful glow. These lights are especially useful as hallway nightlights or bathroom or kitchen accents and can be purchased for less than $50.00.

• Sense It: Whether you’re lighting your home or backyard, motion and photosensors go a long way to help reduce electricity costs.

Consider outfitting indoor lighting with photosensors, which automatically turn on

SEE ENERGY, PAGE 9

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Page 8 • Fall Home & Garden • The Courier-Herald • September 22, 2010

Bathroom upgrades can be fun and cost-effective Powerful Savings Modernize your shower head to conserve water without sacrificing comfort. Conserving water used to mean low-flow shower heads that were low on water pressure, making it difficult to wash out shampoo or relax tired muscles. You no longer have to choose. Many modern shower heads provide both low-flow and high-pressure

settings.

The same goes for toilet bowls. Low-flow is now accompanied by new technologies, such as dual-flush options, that use varying amounts of water depending on what you’re flushing.

For energy savings, consider LED or fluorescent light bulbs. You even can save energy by selecting a bathroom ventilation fan that consumes less electric-

ity than traditional ones.

For example, Panasonic’s WhisperGreen is Energy Star rated and is 550 percent more energy efficient than Energy Star standards.

Such choices will help you save on energy bills.

With just a few tips, you can create a bathroom that’s clean, sleek, healthy, safe and cost-effective. You can’t get more modern than that!

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Whether your bathroom is in need of repairs or you’re simply looking to create a more welcoming space, modernizing can be a fun and cost-effective experience.

With the right fixtures, you can create a space that’s environmentally healthy and safe.

Safety Counts While most bathrooms have electrical outlets, many older homes haven’t been upgraded to include circuit breakers and switched outlets which prevent electrical appliances, like hair dryers, from overloading circuits and causing electrocution or fires. Given the dampness of most bathrooms, the first thing to consider is to make sure wiring is up to code and safe.

Homeowners should also consider the air quality within the bathroom as a potential safety hazard, especially since many homes have tight air envelopes, meaning air doesn’t circulate freely.

Mold and mildew are particularly bad

for people with respiratory problems like asthma or allergies. Fortunately, you can install a modern ventilation fan that inhibits growth of contaminants, such as Panasonic’s WhisperCeiling or WhisperLite, which circulate air extremely quietly -- making them more likely to be used. And consider fans that come with a light and nightlight option for extra illumination in the bathroom, providing extra safety.

Clean and Beautiful Consider both big and small items when beautifying your space, paying attention to materials that will keep it cleaner. From large pieces like countertops to soap and toothbrush holders, there are many options using modern materials that do doubleduty.

Nowadays, one-piece sink and countertops, such as those made by Sonoma Stone or Zodiaq, not only provide a sleek look, but their continuous smooth surfaces are resistant to stains and mildew, making them easier to clean than traditional sinks.

Even outlet covers, switches and ventilation fans can be attractive, instead of eyesores. In addition to maintaining air quality and a quiet, serene environment, ventilation fans now come with decorative grills. The better models even inhibit mold and mildew, helping maintain your new look longer.

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September 22, 2010 • The Courier-Herald • Fall Home & Garden • Page 9

Safety Council reminds all to take precautions

asset FROM 3 water from eroding the soil around your foundation and preventing leaks from entering the basement or crawlspace. Repurposed, they can also help garden enthusiasts collect rain water, saving on water bills.

To easily collect rain water, place a rain barrel

ENERGY FROM 7 lamps at dusk. Motion detectors, meanwhile, are great for indoor and outdoor use. Look for wall plug-in versions that can double as emergency lighting during power outages. * Strip Wisely: Nowadays, every home office or entertainment room is outfitted with power strips for

just underneath a downspout. Use a debris screen to filter out leaves and debris, and a tight fitting lid to keep curious children away and prevent mosquitoes.

Cover Up Got drafty windows but can’t afford to replace them? Consider using stylish honeycomb shades which have insulating properties, such as those from HunterDouglas, or

try thermal drapes from Jewel-Tex and other manufacturers. Either of these types of window treatments will help keep your house warmer in winter and cooler during summer. Plus, they’ll dress up your home while making it more energy efficient.

Regardless of your home improvement needs, there’s always a way to buy less and do more.

multiple electronics and toys. Don’t forget the most cost-saving measure about power strips: you can turn them off or unplug them when appliances aren’t in use. The really energyconscious should consider strips with displays, such as the Energy Monitoring Power Strip from Fujitsu, which shows how much energy you’re using. * Free Change: Changing

your behavior also will keep cash in your pocket. There are many ways to alter your habits to save electricity, including running only full loads of laundry, not using the heat dry on the dishwasher, and turning down the temperature on your water heater.

For more tips, visit the Energy Information Administration at www.eia. gov.

Family Room Nearly every family room has a TV, but you’re looking for some originality. Why not try placing a gaming table in the middle of the room, like those for pool or pingpong? Even a small table set up for backgammon will be a conversation starter.

Of course, you can always go in the other direction and turn the family room into a “media room.” The obvi-

ous centerpiece here is the television, but a beautiful console can hide unsightly wires. Maybe even consider an armoire that allows you to hide the TV behind closed doors when not in use.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when creating a home with character and style. Just one fabulous piece per room can help create a whole new look for your entire home.

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Installing a new roof, updating a kitchen, adding another room to a home -- these are the things that come to mind when one thinks of a home-improvement project.

However, what good are these improvements if you don’t also renovate the way you think about safety in the home? A safety hazard can quickly escalate and ruin all of your hard work.

According to recent accident statistics from the National Safety Council, the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control and other advocacy groups, approximately 45 percent of unintentional injury deaths occurred in and around the home. Unintentional home injury deaths to children are caused primarily by fire and burns, suffocation, drowning, firearms, falls, choking, and poisoning.

It is important to keep safety in mind with everything you do as a homeowner.

Therefore, take the time to assess these areas of potential concern as part of any home-improvement plans: • Periodically check your hot water tank, washing machine, dishwasher and refrigerator icemaker to see if they are secure and

leak-free.

• Keep supplemental heating sources, such as wood-burning stoves, or kerosene, propane or electrical heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable items including draperies and clothing.

• Don’t store flammable items, or just about anything, too close to furnaces or hot water tanks.

• Carefully monitor the electrical system for shorts and sparks. Do not run cords under rugs or heavy furniture and do not overload electrical outlets.

• Keep chemical cleaning products, home-repair items, like paint and mineral spirits, and tools under lock and key or out of reach of children.

• Do not store combustible materials like newspapers and rags in the basement or garage.

• Burn only dry, seasoned hardwood in your fireplace and regularly have the chimney inspected and cleaned.

• Install a working smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector on every floor of the home.

• Inspect surrounding trees and cut down any dead limbs. If a tree doesn’t seem sound to you, bring in an expert tree service to remove it. You don’t want a tree crashing down during a powerful storm.

• Make sure steps, both indoors and outdoors, are level and intact. Install better lighting at entryways to improve safety.

conversation piece when placed in the living room.

Just make sure, whether the piece is avante garde or something more traditional, that you like what you buy -- you’ll be looking at it every day.

If you’re going for a whole new look, then buy art with varied colors -some that match your old decor and some that go with the new look you’re trying to establish. Then you can add unique pillows and throws from a local flea market to create character and style.

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Page 10 • Fall Home & Garden • The Courier-Herald • September 22, 2010

Improving water pressure could be a simple fix of valves can impede water pressure.

It can be well worth the

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issues and recommend solutions. It may be simpler than one thinks.

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Call Debbie Mortell 6021 Parker Rd., Sumner Taking a shower isn’t the same if water pressure is poor. Photo and story provided by Metro Creative Connection.

problem lies outside of the home or inside.

Some water pressure issues have easy fixes. Simply cleaning the screen on faucets or showerheads can remove debris and improve water flow. Purchasing fixtures that do not additionally restrict water flow can also alleviate the problem.

Individuals who live in rural areas or at the end of city water systems may want to consider the addition of a water pressure tank that will provide extra water supply in high-demand situations.

While it won’t improve water pressure, it will alleviate water volume problems when in need. A booster pump installed on a system will actually increase water pressure by several pounds.

Homeowners may have to contend with fluctuating water pressure, but it may be a small price to pay for extra water pressure.

Some homes have various valves installed in the plumbing system so that a leak or problem can be isolated and turned off.

However, the wrong types

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water is released in the form of condensation. As a result, when warm, moist air from inside the home comes in contact with cold windows, it releases the condensation on the windows. The opposite can occur in the warmer months, when outdoor air condenses on windows because of an airconditioned interior.

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Find a cure for sweaty windows When cooler weather arrives, homeowners often face a troublesome condition.

Condensation forms on windows and can be a nuisance or even cause damage to the surrounding trim. There are reasons why sweating windows occur. Knowing the causes is the key to fixing the situation.

When air gets warm it expands and is able to absorb water. When the air cools, eventually it gets to the point where the

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For those who have turned on a faucet to find a trickle or bathed under something more like a drip sprinkler than a shower, water pressure might be the culprit. Inadequate water pressure can be a nuisance.

Remedying it could take a quick fix or a major overhaul.

There are many reasons for low water pressure.

Diagnosing the problem is the key to fixing it. Here are some causes to consider.

• Rural areas that rely on well water may have less pounds of water pressure than in suburban or city areas.

• Water softeners or filters in homes can reduce water pressure.

• Multi-level homes could experience a drop in water pressure in upstairs bathrooms. That’s because, for every 2.31 feet of vertical climb in a water line, a homeowner will lose a pound of water pressure.

Water that originates in the basement and must travel upstairs could decrease by 12 pounds of pressure by the time it arrives at a thirdfloor bathroom.

• Clogged pipes or fixtures can reduce water pressure. Pipes that are also too small in diameter to meet the house water needs could also be to blame.

• Water restrictors in showerheads and other fixtures can reduce water flow in an effort to conserve the natural resource.

Homeowners can insert a gauge at the main water supply of the house to determine the pressure of the water at the source. This will help determine if the

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September 22, 2010 • The Courier-Herald • Fall Home & Garden • Page 11

How much do we spend on housing?

According to a report from the United States Department of Labor, the average American consumer spends slightly more than 34 percent of their paycheck on housing.

The average U.S. consumer makes $63,091 before taxes, with average annual expenditures of $49,638. That translates to nearly $17,000 per year spent on housing. This includes utilities, fuels and public services (which combine for 7 percent of expenditures for housing), shelter (20.2 percent), household operations (2 percent), housekeeping supplies (1.3 percent), and household furnishings and equipment (3.6 percent).

What might come as most surprising, particularly to homeowners,

is their annual expenditures on transportation.

Transportation expenditures account for more than half of what the average American spends on housing.

Homeowners looking to save money and improve their home, therefore, should consider the possibility of spending less on transportation, the costs of which include gasoline.

Interestingly enough, spendings on transportation significantly outweigh what’s spent on food. Again, however, homeowners hoping to save for their next big home improvement project might want to consider eating in more, as the average U.S. consumer spends nearly $2,700 per year on food purchased away from home.

Lot of roof options If a roof replacement is in your future, it’s a good idea to investigate the costs of the different roofing materials available to find one that fits your budget.

• Asphalt Shingles: Asphalt is the least expensive option available, which is perhaps why this type of roof covering is the most prevalent. The cost of asphalt shingles is typically $50 to $150 per square.

Roofing is figured in terms of “squares,” which equals 100 square feet. Costs for materials alone will not include the labor to remove the old shingles, which can add $30 to $60 per square. Today’s asphalt shingles are more durable than in years past and come in a wide array of colors.

• Ceramic Tiles: Ceramic tiles are a unique option and certainly one you don’t see on every house, primarily because of the cost. Clay tiles can range from $275 to $500 per installed square.

• Metal Roofing: Metal roofing is an option in areas that see a lot of snowfall. The snow simply slides off of the metal roof. This material is very durable and can add curb appeal. Pricing is widely varied among companies and can start at $115 per square or up to $650 for extra coatings and more expensive metals.

• Slate Tiles: A special skill is required to install slate tiles, which makes them a coveted luxury but also one of the most costly roofing options. The intricate installation process can cost upwards of $1000 per square. Once installed, however, slate is very durable and can last 50 years or more.

Out front, pavers created easy access from the sidewalk and driveway.

Photo by Brenda Sexton/To view or buy photos go to www. courierherald.com.

PAVERS FROM 2 The second piece was a patio and path off the front door. When we bought the house, any car door opened from the driveway forced the passenger to step into a flower bed. We’ve always wanted this change. We also wanted a wide path that led from the front door to the sidewalk.

For years, we’ve had to scoot sideways between the cars in the driveway and Spike, our prickly tree out front, or trod through the grass with the mail or groceries.

When we first moved into the house, we laid bricks out front to help with the issue, but it wasn’t quite the look we’d planned. We also laid a few out back, but not with the success we wanted. We learned from that experience and this time around my honey did his homework.

The foundation was key.

The c re w f rom Enumclaw L ands cap e and Maintenance, bless their hearts, dug the

WINDOWS FROM 10 There are many activities that put moisture in the air, including breathing, showering and cooking.

Removing excess moisture from the home can help reduce condensation and

8-inch deep trench for both pieces.

We filled it with a level, 6-inch thick layer of g ravel, 5/8-inch minus cr ushed bas e course to be specific, and another of 1 to 2 inches of concrete sand.

Between the four of us, but mostly my son and husband, we shoveled 10 cubic yards of gravel and 3 cubic yards of sand.

There was no way to know we’d have picked one of the wettest springs in recent history to carry out this project.

We provided hours of entertainment for the neighborhood as we worked in downpour after downpour late at night after work trying to make the landscaper’s deadline.

Unlike our past venture, this time we staked plastic edging into the ground to create boundaries that would keep the pavers from shifting during installation.

Then we laid approximately 550 square feet of pavers – 350 square feet for the walkway and 200 square feet for the patio. That’s a lot

of 6-inch by 9-inch and 6-inch by 6-inch, stones and a bottle of ibuprofen.

Not as easy as it could have been, because we threw ourselves a curve.

Literally, we wanted an S in the pathway and a little character out front. Renting a dr y diamond saw with a vacuum attachment was helpful. The vacuum attachment meant there was no need to dispose of a bunch of nasty slurr y. The bags were easily dumped into the trash.

The part we always hated about our past project was the weeds growing in the sand b etween the cracks.

What we discovered this time around was a polymer sand the professionals use. We rented a plate compactor and shook it deep into the cracks. After it’s all settled, a little mist activates the sealant.

We finished it off with red, Mexican, beach rock in the back yard areas that are traditionally the most wet and the grass doesn’t like to grow.

Along the way we

also found a need for patience and a sense of humor. Honestly, there is something funny, at least now, about hauling a wheelbarrow loaded with gravel in a driving rain.

I’m sure there’s a dollar number I could muster up if I found all the receipts, but I stopped keeping track after a time. The selfsatisfaction in finishing a project, and doing it well, and the time we spent together as a family working, grumbling, joking and creating together was priceless.

We enjoyed visiting with our neighbors, and the nightly dog walkers, as they checked in on our progress.

I think it still needs a colorful Adirondack chair to give it that finished look and give us a place to sit, relax and beam over our accomplishment. Ever y time we haul the recycling to the curb or watch the dog prance proudly along his personal highway it brings a smile.

window sweating.

• Be sure that windowless bathrooms have an exhaust vent that will vent air outdoors. Bathroom doors also should have enough of a gap on the bottom of the door to let air inside the bathroom.

• Gas appliances, like fireplaces, should be properly vented.

• Opt for cooking methods that do not produce steam.

• Lower the thermostat so the home is cooler, ideally between 62 and 68 degrees F. • Check if the clothes dryer is properly vented outdoors.

• Consider running a

dehumidifier if moisture is a problem not easily remedied.

• Think about replacement windows. Insulated windows that feature double or triple panes will be more insulated, preventing the warm air in the home from meeting the cold air of outdoors.

Page 12 • Fall Home & Garden • The Courier-Herald • September 22, 2010

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