KCC_Spring Home Improvement_032422

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Claesson Carpet Cleaning It’s not a coincidence, there’s a reason!

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“We would appreciate your vote this year in the Best of the Fox Reader’s Choice Awards!”

Kane County Chronicle/KCChronicle.com • Thursday, March 24, 2022

SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

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How to cut costs on The different ways home renovations to repair a driveway Do you still have an avocado green kitchen? Is your living room dank and dark? Perhaps there is only one bathroom for a family of six? Answering yes to any of these questions could serve as the catalyst for a home renovation project.

Home improvement projects come in all shapes and sizes — some with huge budgets and others that are more cost-conscious. Regardless of what homeowners hope to achieve with their renovations, a common goal across any price point is a desire to save as much money as possible. Home renovations can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs.

• Assess the merit of the project. Remodeling magazine annually publishes a “Cost vs. Value Report” that lists the average cost and return on investment homeowners can expect of various types of projects. If you’re planning to sell your home soon, it may be best to focus on repairs and renovations that will generate the most substantial ROI. • Hire a contractor. Even avid do-it-yourselfers can sometimes benefit from a contractor’s expertise, particularly for complex tasks. Don’t waste money by trying tough jobs yourself; rely on an experienced contractor who can get supplies for less money and will do the job right the first time. Compare bids from several different contractors and figure out the best value.

• Refurbish existing features. Rather than a complete gut and rebuild, figure out where you can revitalize existing fixtures and more. For example, refinishing existing cabinets can save you up to 50 percent compared with the cost of new cabinetry, according to Angi (formerly Angie’s List), a cost comparison and business review resource.

• Choose midgrade materials. Certain materials may be all the rage but they come with a higher price tag. Angi reports that granite counters could be $60 to $100 per square foot. However, a composite or laminate that looks like granite and wears well may be $10 to 40 per square foot. Figure out where you can choose middle-of-the-road materials for maximum value.

• Avoid peak seasons. You’ll pay more to install a deck or a pool right before the outdoor entertaining season. There also may be a premium to get work done right before a major holiday. Therefore, consult the calendar to find an off time for a renovation and book it then to save.

• Do some prep work. You might be able to save by doing some of the demolition and preparatory work yourself. For example, you can tear up old carpeting before the installation of new tile floors. Perhaps you can mend and patch up walls before a paint job.

• Buy a display item. Former showroom kitchens and baths often are sourced at a fraction of their recommended retail prices, according to Real Homes, a home remodel guide based in the United Kingdom. Retailers often update their displays and you may score existing showroom items at a discount.

Asphalt driveways do not last forever. Over time, weather and general usage can degrade the driveway surface, resulting in cracks, pitting and more. Ultraviolet rays, salt and automotive fluids also can affect the appearance and functionality of a driveway. An unsightly driveway can adversely affect curb appeal and resale potential.

Homeowners have to consider various factors when it comes to repairing driveways. They may have the option of getting the driveway resurfaced, resealed or repaved, and each project is unique.

RESURFACING According to the home improvement price comparison site Kompare It, resurfacing is simpler and faster than installing a new asphalt driveway. With resurfacing, any cracks are filled in to create an even base.

Then a new layer of asphalt is applied over the existing one. That new layer can range in thickness from 1.5 to 3 inches. A heavy rolling machine will then smooth and flatten the layers together. If the driveway has minor pitting or cracking, then resurfacing can be a cost-effective strategy, as it may be a $3,000 to $6,000 job as opposed to $5,000 to $10,000 with repaving.

RESEALING Resealing a driveway, also called sealcoating, is another repair strategy. HGTV says resealing can be a do-it-yourself project. Resealing helps the driveway last longer.

The driveway needs to be clean and dry, with holes and cracks filled prior to sealcoating. Start at the far edge of the driveway and seal that area by “cutting-in” by hand for a neat edge. Afterward the rest of the driveway can be sealed using a squeegee or broom. This project can be completed within two or three days if no precipitation is forecast.

REPAVING A project best left to professionals, repaving typically involves the removal of an existing driveway and the installation of a new one. The sub-grade layer is essential in the process for a smooth look. Contractors also will assess soil and grading when doing work. The construction blog Main Infrastructure says the new asphalt driveway can vary in thickness between two and six inches, depending on budget and need.

The contractor also can advise if full-depth asphalt application or an aggregate base is practical.

Assessing the condition of driveway can give homeowners a better idea about which type of repair project best suits their property.

Beautiful Shades Moving To Your Schedule

the past. The handheld Pebble® Remote easily operates up to six different window treatments, gives you on-demand control andMarch comes in a20,range 12–June 2022 of stylish colors.

If you’re worried about misplacing it, opt for the March 12–June 20, 2022 wall-mounted Pebble Surface Remote for direct adjustments at your fingertips.

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Increa year-r Increa Rebat year-r Kane County Chronicle/KCChronicle.com • Thursday, March 24, 2022

GET THE POWERVIEW APP Use the PowerView® App to control your shades with the swipe of a finger. Create customized Scenes that move each of your shades to your preferred positions, then automate the Scenes to operate on their own throughout the day. You can even schedule Scenes to move with the sunrise or sunset based on your location. The App is compatible with Apple® and Android™ smartphones and tablets.

SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

It’s your home and your light to control. Want to ensure you wake up on time, have glare-free light throughout your rooms and make sure you can savor every beautiful sunset once your workdays are done? Hunter Douglas window treatments with PowerView Automation can be scheduled to open and close precisely when you tell them to. Experience light exactly when you want it. PowerView® Automation gives you precise and convenient control of your Hunter Douglas window treatments.

Shades operate independently, moving only when you choose to schedule them.

During the summer, scheduling your motorized shades to close at midday keeps your home from overheating. In the wintertime, scheduling them to open during the day will invite natural sunlight to warm your home. With motorized window treatments, there’s less need for air conditioning and heating and more opportunity for energy savings.

Programming your window treatments is simple. Operate them from home with the Pebble® Remote Control or through voice activation when PowerView is integrated with smart-home systems such as Amazon Alexa, Siri® on your Apple device or the Google Assistant. For the ultimate in convenience, the PowerView® App is a perfect way to manage your shades when you’re home or away.

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March 12–June 20, 2022

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with the purchase of 4 Vignette Modern Roman Shades * plus REBATE $25 rebate $100 for each unit with theadditional purchase of $100 REBATE* with the purchase of 4 Vignette® Modern Roman Shades 4 Vignette Modern Roman Shades * Manufacturer’s rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made March 12 – June 20, 2022 from participating plus $25 rebate dealers in plus $25 inrebate for each additional less than the specified quantity, you will not be entitled to a rebate. Rebate will be issued the form of aunit Virtual Rew months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See complete terms with Virtual Reward for distributed each additional unit Card. Add Meklee Interiors Call for appointment Saturday and Sunday ® by appointment only (630) 584-1545 www.mekleeinteriors.com

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* Manufacturer’s rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made March 12 – June 20, 2022 from participating dealers in the U.S. less than the specified quantity, you will not be entitled to a rebate. Rebate will be issued in the form of a Virtual Reward Car

are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with Virtual Reward Card. Additional l are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

* Manufacturer’s rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made March 12 – June 20, 2022 from participating dealers in less than the specified quantity, you will not be entitled to a rebate. Rebate will be issued in the form of a Virtual Rew months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with Virtual Reward Card. Add are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

Increase your comfort and help lower your energy bills year-round with insulating Hunter Douglas shades.

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March 12–June 20, 2022

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with the purchase of 4 Vignette® Modern Roman Shades plus $25 rebate for each additional unit

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with the purchase of 4 Duette® Honeycomb Shades plus $25 rebate for each additional unit

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with the purchase of 4 Sonnette® Cellular Roller Shades plus $25 rebate for each additional unit

* Manufacturer’s rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made March 12 – June 20, 2022 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. A qualifying purchase is defined as a purchase of any of the product models set forth above in the quantities set forth above. If you purchase less than the specified quantity, you will not be entitled to a rebate. Rebate will be issued in the form of a Virtual Reward Card and emailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim approval Subject to applicable law, a $3.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 12 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with Virtual Reward Card. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2022 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

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Kane County Chronicle/KCChronicle.com • Thursday, March 24, 2022

SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

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How to care for perennials Perennials can add color and vibrancy to any garden. One of the more desirable components of perennials is that they come back year after year, meaning homeowners do not have to invest in a gardenful of new flowers every year. That can add up to considerable savings. Perennials often form the foundation of beautiful gardens.

Annuals only grow for one season, produce seeds and then die.

However, perennials die back to the ground every autumn and their roots survive the winter. So the plants reemerge in the spring, according to The Farmer’s Almanac. Some perennials are short-lived, meaning they will come back a few consecutive years; others will last for decades.

Though planted perennials require less maintenance than annuals, they are not completely maintenance-free. Certain care is needed to help perennials thrive, and that starts with the soil. In fact, soil is the single most important factor for growing healthy plants. Penn State Extension says most perennials grow ideally in well drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. In addition, organic matter can improve soil texture and water-holding ability.

When including perennials in the garden, make sure you wait for the right time to plant them. The ideal time is during the spring or fall. Perennials come as container-grown perennials, which already have been established in the soil. Bare-root perennials are just roots that are often packed in peat moss. In order to plant bare-root perennials, soak the roots in water for several minutes before gently planting in the ground, indicates the how-to resource Tip Bulletin.

Perennials should be watered deeply, especially during the first growing season. However, the soil should never be overly dry or wet.

Most perennials do not need to be fertilized heavily. A single application in the spring typically is all that’s needed.

Care along the way can include deadheading spent flowers so that plants can use their energy on seed production and reblooming. Perennials should be divided when they grow large, every three to four years when the plants are not in bloom. Perennials produce fewer flowers or may look sickly when the time has passed to divide them.

Early spring often is a good time to divide perennials, advises The Farmer’s Almanac.

A thick layer of mulch can help perennials to overwinter successfully. Perennials planted in containers will need to be transplanted into the garden before it gets cold because most containers cannot thoroughly insulate perennial roots.

Apart from these strategies, perennials pretty much take care of themselves. As long as sunlight requirements match plant needs, the perennials should thrive.

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Kane County Chronicle/KCChronicle.com • Thursday, March 24, 2022

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Kane County Chronicle/KCChronicle.com • Thursday, March 24, 2022

SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

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Ask The Remodeling Contractor

Are you looking to create a new dream space in your home this spring? If you said yes, then you’re probably considering a home remodeling project.

Whether kitchen, bathroom, basement, or whole house addition, getting some insider information prior to the start of your home renovation project would be helpful. You have questions, we have answers. What follows are some of our most frequently asked home remodeling project questions and answers.

Question 1. ‘How Long Will A Remodeling Project Take To Complete?’

The Answer …

Since each project is different, we are unable to give a blanket statement of time. Once we have spoken to you about what you want to accomplish with your space, we will be able to provide you with an estimated timeline. Let’s start the conversation. Talk with us and we will let you know what to expect.

Question 2. ‘Is There A Difference Between A Remodeling Project Estimate and A Proposal?’

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Yes. The estimate is meant to serve as an initial price guideline of what to expect based on the work you’d like done. It is only a rough calculation that is based on our experience with similar size projects. It is often done onsite at the first consultation. As we work through the design or planning process, we will continually update you on how the preliminary estimate has changed.

The proposal price is reached after we have met and developed a design/ build plan for your project. It will include the finalized plan and scope, all chosen selections, as well as labor, permit, and material costs. We will both sign off on this proposal before work begins and any changes that occur thereafter will be handled through a Change Order.

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WATER The right watering schedule and techniques can help a lawn thrive. Scotts® says adjusting for climate and nature can help grass to grow strongly. A lawn that has a grayish cast or appears dull green is telling an owner that it needs water. Another test is to step on the lawn. If footprints disappear quickly, the grass blades have enough moisture to spring back.

Water the lawn in the morning before 10 a.m. when it’s cooler and the winds tend to be calm so that the water can soak in. For those who must water at night, do so in early evening so that the water can dry before nightfall and will not contribute to disease.

Scotts® says to water an established lawn until the top six to eight inches of soil is wet. Most lawns need one to 1.5 inches of water per week from rain or a hose to soak the soil that deeply.

Newly established lawns may require more water to keep the soil moist.

Visit a lawn care center for more information on watering the type of lawn for your area or visit www.scotts.com for additional tips.

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Kane County Chronicle/KCChronicle.com • Thursday, March 24, 2022

A lush, green lawn is a sight to behold.

Many variables are involved in growing and maintaining grass, and water and fertilizer are among the most important components.

FERTILIZE There is no magic formula governing when to fertilize a lawn. The type of grass and how well-established a lawn is must be considered. Experts suggest having the soil tested to determine its pH levels and if any nutrients are lacking. A fertilizing schedule can then be developed after testing.

Keep in mind that overfeeding a lawn will not make it grow any better and actually can damage the turf. Several small applications of fertilizer during the lawn’s most active growing period may be helpful, advises the home improvement resource Tools Around the House.

An annual application (late spring for warm-season grass or fall for cool-season grass) may be all that’s needed.

Certain fertilizers need to be applied and watered in. Others may be combined with weed-control products and must be set on top of damp grass.

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SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

Lawn watering and fertilizing techniques

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Kane County Chronicle/KCChronicle.com • Thursday, March 24, 2022

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