HOME & DESIGN July 2014 • A special supplement to the Morris Daily Herald • A division of Shaw Media
WHAT A BUYER WANTS Green improvements for your home
HOME PROJECTS perfect for ‘staycationers’ & MORE… 1 | Morris Daily Herald • Home & Design • July 2014
What a buyer wants: Green improvements that cut utility costs (BPT) - Going green is good for the environment, but it can also be good for a homeowner’s wallet - and that’s the aspect of ecofriendly improvements that seems most appealing to homebuyers. More than 80 percent of buyers said they would pay more for home features that saved energy and trimmed utility bills, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders. That piece of information can be valuable to home sellers looking to get the best price for their homes this summer. Home improvements that also reduce utility bills - such as skylights and energy-efficient heating, ventilation and cooling systems - may be the investments that ensure a seller’s home will get top dollar and multiple offers. If you’re interested in making energy-efficient, cost-cutting improvements a selling point for your home this summer, you can achieve the benefit with basic, moderate or impressive improvements. What you choose to do will depend on your budget, timeframe and perceived benefit in terms of a speedy sale. Here are a handful of improvements, from basic to beautiful:
Seal and insulate - Ideally, you’ve kept up on your home’s
insulation and sealing all the time you’ve lived there. If not, potential buyers may be attracted by recent refurbishments to the caulking and sealing around windows, entry doors, garage doors and ductwork. In most instances, homeowners can easily improve sealing and insulation on their own, without hiring a professional. While the improvement may seem minor, its impact can be significant; EnergyStar.gov says sealing and insulating ducts can boost an HVAC’s efficiency as much as 20 percent, and sealing air leaks and adding insulation can trim annual energy bills as much as 10 percent.
Replace old incandescent bulbs - When it comes to
cost savings, replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with energysipping CFLs or LEDs is a cost-effective way to trim electricity bills. Both types of bulbs use at least 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescents, and last 10 to 25 times longer, according to Energy.gov. While these bulbs cost more than regular bulbs, potential home buyers are likely to embrace the cost savings they’ll reap over the lengthy life of the bulbs. In terms of energy upgrades, it’s a relatively low-cost, high-impact improvement for a seller to make.
Install a wireless, programmable thermostat - Con-
nectivity is all the rage. When it comes to reducing heating and cooling costs by smarter thermostat use, wireless thermostats are the next big thing. Programmable thermostats have been available for years, and help reduce heating and cooling costs by automating settings to use energy wisely. Wireless thermostats enhance that functionality by allowing users to access their home’s tem-
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perature controls remotely from any Internet-enabled device. So if you’re in the office and realize you forgot to program the settings on your thermostat, you can communicate with the thermostat from your office desktop or your smartphone.
SELLERS CAN REALIZE SAVINGS TOO Upgrading or installing a skylight - While many energyefficient home improvements do their jobs behind the scenes, an Energy Star-qualified skylight is front-and-center, saving energy and beautifying a home. A skylight appeals to homebuyers’ aesthetic senses and love of savings and they are especially well received in kitchens and baths where they provide not only natural light but fresh air and privacy. A no leak solar powered fresh-air skylight, like those made by Velux America, can help reduce electricity costs by providing passive ventilation and natural light.
Solar-powered Velux blinds can improve a skylight’s energy performance rating by as much as 45 percent while making a strong design statement. Solar-powered skylights and blinds, plus installation costs, can be eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. And for 10 weeks during the summer there’s also a $200 cash rebate from Velux on solar skylights. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more. Real-estate industry watchers predict buyers and sellers will both be active this summer. Making the cost-saving improvements buyers crave could help sellers move their homes faster and for the best possible price.
How to check your deck
for problems
4 Inspect the surface. The elements can be harsh on a deck, so
inspect the surface to ensure there is no buildup of mildew, power washing any areas where mildew has started to accumulate. Different deck materials may need certain types of cleaners, so consult with the company who built your deck or speak to a local home improvement specialist to determine which type of cleaning solution your deck needs. Once the deck has been power washed, allow it to dry before applying any additional layers of finish.
4 Ensure railings are not loose. Grasp and shake the deck’s railings
to ensure none are loose and all provide ample support for anyone who will be enjoying the deck. Balusters are the short pillars or columns that run perpendicular to the railings and the walking surface of the deck, and these should also be checked to ensure they are not loose. Youngsters may lean against the balusters when relaxing on the deck, so it’s imperative that none are loose.
Summer party season is in full swing, and that means scores of people will be relaxing with family and friends on their decks. But such gatherings are only as fun as they are safe, and responsible hosts and homeowners must inspect their decks for signs of trouble before hosting their first summer soiree.
Deck inspections ideally should be performed in spring before homeowners host their first get-together, and if any problems are discovered, everyone should steer clear of the deck until those issues have been addressed.
Deck inspections can be relatively simple, especially for those homeowners whose decks are newly built or recently refurbished. But even a new deck should be inspected at the start of the season to ensure the safety of all who will be spending time on the deck in the months to come. The following are a few tips to help homeowners spot trouble spots on their decks.
4 Check the wood. Split or decaying wood is a trouble spot that
will need to be addressed. Such wood may feel spongy or break off without splintering, and those things are indicative of rot. Another sign of trouble to look for with regard to the wood is whether or not it has any holes. Holes may be a symptom of infect infestation, which can compromise the safety of the deck over time.
4 Inspect the ledger board. The ledger board is a weight-bearing
board that connects the deck to the house. Over time, the gap between the ledger board and the house may widen. In such instances, simply tighten the bolts. When inspecting the ledger board, examine the flashing that surrounds it. Flashing prevents the buildup of moisture that causes rot, and when there is an issue with the flashing, it’s often noticeable because mud and debris has become stuck between the flashing and the exterior wall of the home. Clear any such debris and then seal the overlapping areas with caulk.
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4 Inspect support posts. Support posts should be firmly connected
to the beams below the deck floor. Loose connections between the support posts and beams should be tightened, and replace any bolts that need replacing.
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Morris Morris Daily Daily Herald Herald • • Home Home & & Design Design • • July July 2014 2014 | |3 3
THREE SUCCESS TIPS
for converting an attic into living space (BPT) - Moving up - vacating your current, smallish home for a larger, roomier abode - was the American way before the Great Recession. Now that the economy is humming again, at least some of the people who stayed put during those lean years will be looking to move into larger, nicer homes this summer. High demand and low inventory, however, may leave many with nowhere to go. Some will rediscover a time-honored space-gaining technique: attic conversion. As home improvements go, converting an attic into usable living space has a high return on investment - about 84 percent at the time of resale, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report. That’s if you use your unfinished attic to create a 15-by-15-foot bedroom and a modest 5-by-7-foot bathroom with shower. Create a larger, more luxurious and more elaborate space and the ROI could be even greater. If your family is bursting at the seams, the value of added space will be measured in comfort, convenience and peace of mind, rather than resale dollars. As with any renovation project, achieving an attic conversion requires you to balance numerous factors, from budget and objective to space and architectural limitations. Some of your most-desired features - such as ample natural light or a full bathroom - may seem out of reach. They don’t have to be, though, if you rely on some time-tested techniques to maximize the space.
Lighting the natural way
Typically, attics aren’t built with a lot of windows, and adding them may be difficult if the ceiling is sloped. Yet natural light is a highly prized feature in virtually any room, especially if you’re converting your attic into a bedroom, family room or other public area. Traditional solutions include adding dormers, which can be costly and timeconsuming. What’s more, windows and dormers can eat up wall space, which is often at a premium in attics. Skylights or roof windows can be a better option in an attic space. They require less time and cost to install than dormers and can easily live on slanted ceilings. Choose Energy Star-qualified no-leak, solarpowered fresh-air skylights like those from VELUX America utilized in the O’More College of Design Alumni House, add solar-powered blinds, and you can achieve a light-filled attic room that is both beautiful and energy efficient. The cost of the products, including installation, are eligible for a 30-percent federal tax credit. And from now until August 15, there’s also a $200 cash rebate from VELUX on solar powered skylights. To learn more, visit www.whyskylights.com. Roof windows, which are less expensive than dormers, are another cost-effective attic conversion option. VELUX offers both a top-hinged
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model and a double-sash balcony model that open at the top and bottom to create a roof balcony that admits much more light than a dormer while offering access to the outdoors. Roof windows offer maximum ventilation plus the added advantage of meeting building code requirements as points of emergency escape and egress.
Heating and cooling
Attics are often the hottest or coldest room in the house, depending on the time of year and the quality of your home’s insulation. Creating a comfortable atmosphere in a converted attic requires expert planning. You may need to increase insulation. Because insulation has such a significant impact on a home’s overall comfort and energy efficiency, it makes sense to invest in the best you can afford. Spray foam is often a good option for converted attics because it can go easily between existing joists and create a tight air barrier without losing the inches of space required for thick fiberglass batt insulation. You’ll also need to consider how you will heat and cool the space. A heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system expert can help you determine the best approach. Skylights and roof windows can also play an important role in your heating and cooling conversion plan due to the chimney effect they utilize to exhaust rising hot air from an attic space while providing abundant daylight and fresh air.
Plumbing made easier
Adding a bathroom anywhere in a home is usually a good investment. Bathroom additions return about 60 percent of your investment at the time of resale, according to the Cost vs. Value Report. Creating an attic bathroom can be simple - if pipes are already present - or challenging if no plumbing exists in the space. One alternative to traditional plumbing is up-flush, which allows you to install sinks, toilets, showers and even bath tubs without engaging in major construction to accommodate traditional plumbing pipes. Up-flush plumbing cost less than traditional plumbing methods and is easier to fit into tight spaces - like the odd nooks that often occur in attics. With planning and the right materials, it’s possible to convert an attic into a living space that makes your home even more livable for your family while you’re staying in place. Plus, it will enhance your home’s value down the road when you’re ready to move up.
Expert advice for spring kitchen redesigns that you’ll love forever from designer Nate Berkus
(BPT) - When your spring cleaning is accomplished and the room sparkles, do you still feel as if something is missing? All the cleaning in the world can’t hide worn countertops, outdated appliances or uninspired cabinetry. If spring cleaning your kitchen is starting to feel like you’re simply putting polish on a dirt floor, it’s time to plan a spring redesign that you’ll love now, and for years to come.
But where do you begin? It’s essential to incorporate the best in today’s design innovations with classic appeal that will endure, advises interior decorator Nate Berkus, and artistic advisor for LG Studio appliances. “As a decorator and product designer, I want people to love products not just when they see them on the shelves for a week after they purchase them,” Berkus says. “I want them to love those products five or 10 years from now.” Your kitchen redesign should follow that same rule of longevity, he says. “These are decisions that you’re going to live with every single day.”
some time living with their options before committing to a design. “When you’re buying appliances, you need to select ones that are both technologically advanced and well-crafted,” he says. “Envision yourself in the kitchen reaching in that fridge. Make sure it has what you want, and that it will help you live beautifully in a space that matters. Look for appliances that are current, yet timeless.” For design elements such as tile, flooring or even paint, he advises placing samples in your kitchen and living with them for a while. “Lay them out on the floor or put the paint sample on the wall and walk by them each day for a week or month,” he says. “Edit out what you grow tired of, and lean toward the classic. You can use plates and dishes and other elements to build out your story and personality, but let the permanent choices be your most curated ones.”
The key to a kitchen redesign that is both livable and lovable long after the paint dries is to choose quality, well-designed foundational elements such as premium and aesthetically-pleasing kitchen appliances, countertops and flooring, and build on them.
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“Pick what you love,” Berkus says. “Pick things that really represent who you are and what your design personality is all about. Stick with them and don’t waiver.” First, look at your kitchen and decide what elements would create the most impact through replacement or refurbishment. Maybe your kitchen appliances are white enamel and a decade old, when you prefer stainless steel and models that integrate the newest technology. Once you’ve decided which elements are the most important to you, it’s time to decide your style. “First, look for inspiration. Pinterest is a great way to start,” Berkus advises. “Start a board of what you love and what you want in your kitchen. You’ll see the trend of what matters most to you float to the surface. What you gravitate toward the most is where you begin.” For example, if your board is full of new appliances, chances are your current ones need updating. Fortunately, an investment into premium appliances, like those in the LG Studio collection not only provides an aesthetic upgrade to your kitchen but also helps to create your own intensely personal signature kitchen. The collection perfectly marries design and function, with options like built-in and counter depth refrigerators, a slide-in range, and radiant, gas and induction cooktops. The collection also features single and double wall ovens with built-in gourmet recipe banks that provide inspiration for elegant entertaining. Berkus also recommends homeowners “do their homework” and spend
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5 tips for relocating the family Did you know the average person moves 11.4 times in his or her lifetime? So says the most recent information from the U.S. Census Bureau. Various factors prompt people to move, from job opportunities to the desire to be closer to family members to wanting to live in a nicer climate. Moving is seldom an easy task, and is often ranked among the most stressful events in a person’s life. The Employee Relocation Council cites it as the third most stressful event in life, following only death and divorce. That stress is only heightened when an entire family is making the move and an adult is starting a new job simultaneously. Despite the potential headaches involved with moving, an estimated 43 million Americans move each year. Those moving are often married couples between the ages of 25 and 44 with one or two children between the ages of 2 and 11. To make the process go more smoothly, consider the following tips. 1. Gradually introduce the concept of moving. Moving is a decision to be discussed with the whole family, even with young children who may not fully understand the process. Kids who are involved in looking at new homes or voicing opinions about which amenities they desire in a new neighborhood will feel empowered and in control. 2. Research potential new neighborhoods carefully. Finding a new residence is not entirely about buying a home that fits the family and its needs. It also is about finding a desirable neighborhood and community. A good school district is an important factor, as is proximity to recreation, local culture and transportation. Drive around a neighborhood during different times of the day to gauge how active it is. Investigating businesses in the area can also help gauge the personality of a given neighborhood.
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3. Work with an experienced agent. A real estate agent who is familiar with a variety of communities is a great asset. A buyer’s agent will find homes and negotiate on the part of the buyer, having your best interests in mind. Because the agent will be paid a commission on a portion of the sale price, which doesn’t come out of your pocket, it is in the real estate agent’s best interest to help you find a home you can call your own. In addition, the agent will handle many of the tasks that may be overwhelming if you were doing them on your own, such as scouring available listings, waiting for inspections or filling out pertinent paperwork. With a real estate agent handling these tasks, families can remove some of the stress from the moving process. 4. Pack children’s rooms last. Young children who see favorite items disappearing into bubble wrapping and boxes may start to feel anxious. It’s not uncommon for preschoolers to act out or experience nightmares during the moving process. Maintain a sense of normalcy in the home as long as possible. Begin by packing nonessential items, only packing kids’ items when your moving date is right around the corner. Let children say good-bye to familiar haunts and even to their old home. 5. Plan a school orientation. Take advantage of any programs schools offer to acclimate kids to their new environment. Kids often leave friends behind when moving to a new home. The faster they get back to a normal routine, the better it will be for them. Schools are where children will make new friends and participate in social occasions, so tour their new schools before the school year begins, and meet with a few residents and current students to learn about special programs that may make a move less stressful for youngsters. Relocating a family can be stressful. But involving kids in the process and anticipating an adjustment period can help families adjust more easily.
Home projects perfect for ‘staycationers’
The “staycation” was a concept many first acquainted themselves with when the economy started to struggle and men and women were forced to tighten their belts. In lieu of trips overseas or family trips to popular tourist destinations, many men and women opted to stay home and save their money. While the idea of a staycation makes practical sense, many found that idling away a week of hard-earned vacation at home could grow somewhat boring after a few days. But whether a staycation is a week-long escape from the office or a three-day weekend, homeowners can tackle a few projects around the house to turn their time at home into one marked by productivity instead of boredom.
Add a splash of color
Stain the garage floor Many homeowners treat their garages as a workspace, and as a result garages tend to be ignored when making cosmetic changes. Staining the garage floor can clear away any oil spots and paint stains that may have accumulated over the years, and a clean and well-maintained garage can increase a home’s resale value. Staycations have grown increasingly popular over the last half decade, as many homeowners are opting to forgo costly vacations in favor of staying home to pad their nest eggs. While it’s important for staycationers to squeeze in some rest and relaxation, it also can be beneficial to tackle a few projects around the house during time away from the office.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to give a home a new look is to repaint the home’s interior. Such a project can be a small-scale undertaking focusing on one or two rooms in the house or a more ambitious exercise in which more lived-in rooms like a family room and/or kitchen are given an entirely new color scheme. When removing old paint, consider using sanding pads to make the task easier than the days or yore, when paint was often tediously scraped off of walls with a putty knife. Parents on staycation can even involve the whole family in their painting project, allowing youngsters to choose new colors for their rooms and do a little work with the paintbrush as well.
Say farewell to old faucets Faucets have a unique way of making bathrooms appear dated. But vanity faucets can quickly and easily be replaced so long as the main problem is appearance and not plumbing. Homeowners who suspect potential plumbing problems with sinks should seek a consultation with a professional before replacing vanity faucets. Once the go-ahead has been granted, homeowners can spend a weekend or a day or two during their staycation replacing vanity faucets around the home. Though the project might seem small, it can yield dramatic and aesthetically appealing results.
Consider some eco-friendly updates Homeowners who live in older homes might be able to turn their time away from the office into an exercise in going green around their homes. Eco-friendly updates, which can include replacing old air conditioners with newer, more efficient models or replacing older toilets with more newer models designed to conserve water, may even earn homeowners tax breaks and will almost certainly lead to lower utility bills. Additional eco-friendly and easy home improvement projects that can be tackled in a day or two include replacing inefficient and wasteful water fixtures and installing a programmable thermostat that makes it easier to control heating and cooling costs and conserve energy.
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of WOMEN OMEN distinction ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS through August 16, 2014 The Women of Distinction Award is given to women who have made a difference in Grundy County and who are representative role models as leaders in their fields and communities. Nominations are being taken now, and the honorees will be chosen by a selection committee from Grundy County. A welcome reception in October will provide networking opportunities that will precede lunch and the awards ceremony. The awards ceremony will honor women of distinction and provide honorees with an opportunity to share their stories. To nominate a Woman of Distinction go to morrisdailyherald.com or heraldlife.com, click on the Women of Distinction logo and complete the nomination form by August 16, 2014. Presenting Sponsor
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