Issuu

Spring Home Improvement Friday, April 27, 2018

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Friday, April 27, 2018

| SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

Gulgren Appliance Excels With Service And Selection Not only are Mike Gulgren and Greg Danielson proud to be the second generation to run Gulgren Appliance of Crystal Lake, they’re also proud to sell products manufactured in the United States. “We’re really pleased some of our manufacturers have brought their operations back to the U.S. We’re very happy to be selling products that are made here,” said Mike Gulgren. Known for outstanding service and selection, Gulgren Appliance carries a variety of makes and models, from basic to premium appliances, by quality manufacturers such as Maytag, Whirlpool, GE, KitchenAid, Wolf, SubZero and many more. Brothers Gene and Leroy Gulgren opened Gulgren Appliance in 1959. “They grew up on a farm and learned to be handy and hard working. My dad loved working on cars, small motors and appliances, so he ran the service department. My uncle Leroy handled the sales end of the business,” Mike said. Greg Danielson joined Gulgren as a high school student participating in his school’s work-study program. “He started working here at sixteen, met my sister Sue, they got married and now he’s been here for over forty years,” said Mike. Mike started working at the store part-time while attending Crystal Lake Central High School. After

graduation, he joined the family business full-time in 1982. Mike and Greg are very honored to be running a family business that has been serving McHenry County for more that 59 years. Over the years they have seen many independent stores come and go, and many box stores close up like Highland, Fretter, Circuit City, Silo and recently, H.H. Greg and Sears. “They’ve all come and gone but we are still here,” Mike said. Mike and Greg attribute Gulgren’s success to a knowledgeable sales team, outstanding service, and competitive pricing. “Some of the big box stores will try to create the perception of a lower price, but charge extra for delivery, installation, and removing the old item, which are all things we include. So in the end, the total price you pay with us ends up being the same or often lower than what you pay at the chain stores,” said Mike. Gulgren’s 5,000 square foot showroom means there are plenty of models in stock, and ready for delivery. “Our approach is to educate customers about what different manufacturers and models offer, and guide them toward the best decision for their needs and budget. Since we don’t have a lot of turnover, our salespeople really know the products,” Mike said.

UP TO

Voted Best of the Fox 16 years running! Great service continues after the sale. “Another advantage we offer is an in-house service department, which a lot of places don’t have. Our technicians get to know our customers and our customers get to know them, which people just love,” said Greg. Utilizing new technology helps the service department operate efﬁciently, provide fast service and the lowest possible price. “Our technicians can use software to locate the exact part at the best price, and complete the repair quickly,” he said. Prefer to do it yourself? Gulgren can help there too, with the right parts. “We take the time to guide our customers who want to make their own repairs while still using our parts Greg said. “My father and uncle ran the business according to the old golden rule of treating people how you would want to be treated yourself. It’s a good formula, so we’ve stuck with it,” Mike said.

700

BY MAIL

WITH PURCHASE OF SELECT MAYTAG® APPLIANCES*

Dependability Lasts. These Deals won’t

Now-June 6, 2018 Please visit Maytag.com/may for more details

We Service What We Sell *See sales associate for rebate form with complete details. Only valid at participating Maytag Brand retailers. Rebate in form of a Maytag brand Visa prepaid card by mail. Additional terms and conditions apply ©2018Maytag. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. NCP 24588 MM18050008D

SM-CL1526948

424 W. Terra Cotta Ave (Rte. 176 & Oak St.) • Crystal Lake • 815-459-4380 • www.gulgren.com

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Serving Northern Illinois Residential & Commercial

• Professional Crews

• Dependable

• Efficient

• Complete Clean-Up

815.477.2589 • www.hoganexteriors.com • 820 McArdle Drive • Crystal Lake

• Friday, April 27, 2018

Hail & Sto Specia rm lists

SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

Quality, Commitment & Customer Service is why Hogan Exteriors is on TOP!

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Friday, April 27, 2018

| SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

ways to use your lawn to improve curb appeal

Returns on home improvement projects vary. In its annual Cost vs. Value Report, Remodeling magazine notes the projects that yield the best returns on investment in a given year. But a host of factors, including the type of market (buyers’ or sellers’) and the region where the home is being sold, ultimately combine to determine if homeowners’ investments in home improvement projects will provide the returns they were hoping for. Various projects, including tending to lawns and gardens, can improve curb appeal. An added benefit to focusing on landscaping to improve curb appeal is it promotes spending time outdoors in spring and summer. In addition, many lawn- and garden-related home improvement projects need not require professional expertise. 1. Maintain a lush green lawn. Lawns that fall into disrepair may not give buyers a correct impression about how homeowners maintained their homes. Lawns with multiple dead spots and grass that appears more brown than green may lead many buyers to assume that the home’s interior was equally ill-cared for. Maintaining lush green lawns is not as difficult as it may seem. Applying fertilizer and aerating at the appropriate times of year (this varies by region) can promote strong roots and healthy soil, making it easier for grass to survive harsh conditions like drought. 2. Address brown patch. Even well-maintained lawns can fall victims to brown spots. According to the lawn care professionals at TruGreen, lawns in regions with hot temperatures and high humidity can be infected with brown patch, a com-

mon lawn disease that is caused by fungus, which can produce circular areas of brown, dead grass surrounded by narrow, dark rings. Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences notes that removing dew that collects on grass leaves each morning, which can be accomplished by mowing or dragging a water hose across affected areas, can be an effective way to reduce brown patch. 3. Confine dogs to certain areas. Dog owners may want to let their pets roam free in their yards. But homeowners about to put their properties up for sale may want to confine their four-legged friends to certain areas. That’s because dog urine can be high in nitrogen. Nitrogen itself is not harmful to lawns, but in high concentrations it can contribute to yellow or brown spots. Also, highly acidic dog urine may even adversely affect pH levels in the soil.

Flooring Fl i and d More! M !

The Name You Can Trust

A Division of Howell’s Carpet Cleaning Inc. • New Flooring Sales/Installation • Carpet, Upholstery, Tile/Grout Cleaning

• Carpet • LVP/LVT • Hardwood • Tile • Custom Area Rugs

Trust the experience of Howell’s to help you care for all your ﬂooring needs from concept to install and well beyond for your home or ofﬁce.

815-459-0083 www.howellsﬂooringandmore.com Family Owned and HONESTLY Operated Since 1972

a r t f u l l y c r a f t e d , w o n d e r f u l l y w a t e r p ro o f

Built around you. TM Replacement Windows Wood & Fiberglass

Marvin Replacement windows designed AuthorizedtoInstaller ﬁt your home and your lifestyle!!

• Marvin • Preﬁnished Interior• Available Marvin Authorized Installer • Experienced Sales Team • Prefinished Interior Available

• Experienced Sales Team 1475 S. Randall Rd. Algonquin, IL

(Corner of Randall & Country Line Rd.)

1401 S. Eastwood (Rt. 47) Woodstock, IL (Between Lake Ave. and Rt. 14)

815.338.8900

www.blueribbonmillwork.com

SM-CL1526691

• Friday, April 27, 2018

847.658.9998

SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Friday, April 27, 2018

| SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

5 musts for a low-stress, on-budget DIY home project (BPT) - Owning your own home is a life accomplishment for many adults, and keeping it looking sharp and adding your personal touches brings a sense of pride. It seems there are always things you want to improve, so don’t let a limited budget or lack of know-how hold you back from dreaming. There are plenty of ways to enhance a room or remake a space without breaking the bank, along with many resources out there to show you how. With a little research and a weekend or two of elbow grease, your budget and your abilities are more than enough to take on many smaller jobs. Before you launch your plans, here are a few tips for an affordable and stress-free DIY project. 1. Map it out Prioritize the projects you’d like to tackle first. Whether it’s painting the living room, replacing the kitchen countertops or retiling the bathroom, the project will be much less stressful when you have solid planning behind it. Set a realistic schedule, gather your supplies in advance and be sure and review instructions before starting. If you’re making an improvement for a special event or out-of-town guests, give yourself ample time to complete it so you’re not adding stress to the project. 2. Find creative ways to cover costs Make a budget for your project that includes a list of expected expenses and add padding for the unexpected. Assess what funds you have available, and if you don’t have enough, consider a savings plan so you can avoid paying interest and fees on a credit card. To speed up your progress, grab your change jar and bring it to a Coinstar kiosk where you can select cash or a no-fee eGift card from retailers including Amazon. com, Lowe’s, Home Depot and Sears. You’ll be surprised at how quickly a jar of coins can add up to purchase needed supplies on your list. 3. Learn through many available resources If you’re like most DIYers, you’ll find online videos and home improvement websites are great sources for how-to tips and information. And if you’re a novice, take advantage of the vast information that’s available at your fingertips and review several sources so that you completely understand the process and are confident before your dive in. Don’t be afraid to tap friends, family members and neighbors who have completed similar projects, as they can be good advisers and may even offer to help! You can reward them by inviting them back to your newly improved home to just relax and enjoy. 4. Keep it light Doing DIY projects with a spouse or a family member can be fun if you take the right approach. When working alongside each other, it’s all too easy to take a frustration out on each other. Two-thirds of those surveyed in a recent Coinstar survey said they do projects with others in their household, and 65 percent said they got into a disagreement during a home DIY project. Minimize tension by creating clear expectations and give everyone a defined role. Take needed breaks and acknowledge accomplishments along the way. Keeping things calm and positive ensures everyone feels good about their contribution. To learn more about how Coinstar can help you find the cash you need for your next DIY project, visit coinstar.com.

CEDAR PRO DECK CLEANING & STAINING

• All repairs • Replace rotten & damaged boards • Restoration and recoating. MAKE SURE YOUR DECK IS READY TO ENJOY THIS OUTDOOR SEASON CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

847-414-3422

At Suburban Propane, we care about this community and the people we serve. After all, we’re your friends, your neighbors, and fellow parents raising our own families in this beautiful region. Here’s the difference: Your local Suburban Propane location is part of a much larger support system. That means you can rest easier with:

Plus, become a new customer today and save with our special offer!

LOW 1st Fill Price on your 1st Delivery

Special Pricing guaranteed through 3/31/19

Tank Change Out

at No Charge Call today and mention code 033119 when you call ! Offer expires 11/30/18. Valid for new residential customers in Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin service territory only who sign a fuel service agreement. Special pricing includes a special ﬁrst ﬁll price and guaranteed price through 3/31/19. Customer will pay then current regular Suburban Propane price. Offer applies to heating customers with 325 gallon tanks or larger.

Our Business is Customer Satisfaction In addition to reliable fuel supply for all your home comfort needs, we also provide tank installation and propane delivery for: Agriculture & Farms Forklifts Temp Heat & Job Sites Home Builders And More! To learn more visit us online or call us today!

Our Business is Customer Satisfaction

815-459-0909

www.suburbanpropane.com SM-CL1526749

• Friday, April 27, 2018

Automatic Propane Delivery Convenient Budget Payment Plan 24/7/365 Emergency Service Safety Trained Professionals Over 85 Years Experience

SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

Our team has roots in this community, just like every local company. We simply offer more.

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Friday, April 27, 2018

| SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

Use renovations to create healthier homes Home renovation projects are done for several different reasons, whether to update styles, repair damaged or broken items or to achieve more living space. More than ever before, homeowners are choosing improvement projects geared toward making their homes healthier. Establishing a healthy home means different things to different people. For example, to an environmentalist, a healthy home may incorporate eco-friendly or green products. To those with young children or mobility-impaired seniors, a healthy home may be one free from potential hazards. Others may view a healthy home as one that alleviates allergies. The World Health Organizations says inadequate housing conditions, such as poor ventilation, radon, urban pollution, and moisture issues, can contribute to many preventable diseases and injuries — especially respiratory problems, nervous system disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Furthermore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air quality as a top five environmental risk to public health. EPA studies have found that indoor air pollution levels were roughly two to five times greater than outdoor pollution levels.

• Be aware of furniture materials. Toxic PBDEs, which are chemicals used as flame retardants on furniture fabrics produced prior to 2006, can send toxins into the air. Some manufacturers may still use these flame retardants in new forms, but with similar risks. Before purchasing furniture, ask if a product is treated, and select naturally fire-resistant materials like wool and cotton. • Lighten up. Lighting is often underappreciated but can have a dramatic impact on whether a home feels inviting, warm and/or uplifting. Experiment with different types of bulbs and lighting fixtures to turn drab and dreary environments into brighter places. Lighting may improve mood and productivity.

• Let the sun shine in. Modify window treatments to let more sunlight into the house. There is evidence that the sun, particularly UV light, is a potent bactericide. The Sunlight Institute advises that there’s no harm in letting natural sunlight do its work, as bacteria within eight feet of low-intensity UV light can be killed in 10 minutes. • Inspect and service wood-burning appliances. A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology has found regular inhalation of wood smoke limits immune activity and function, and anyone who burns wood indoors should be aware of these potential health risks. Ensuring proper ventilation of smoke and routinely cleaning the chimney can help cut down on particulate matter. • Turn to nontoxic cleaning products, pesticides and insecticides. Always opt for nontoxic, natural products when cleaning in and around the house. • Declutter the home. A cluttered, hectic space can affect emotions and mental state, never mind attracting dust and making a home harder to clean. Spending time in spaces that do not elicit stressful feelings is healthier and can help residents to rest and recharge.

Complete these home improvements over the weekend

Home improvement projects ramp up when the weather warms up, as homeowners channel the rejuvenating feelings of spring and tackle their home to-do lists. Large-scale renovations can greatly affect a home, but smaller projects can yield impressive results and be completed over the course of a single weekend. • Create an accent wall. Painting a focal wall in a home can create a serious impact. The bonus is it will not take as long or require as many materials as painting an entire room. Accent walls frequently feature a bold color, so decide on placement and tackle this project. • Install stair runners. Dress up hardwood stairs with decorative carpet runners. Runners come in elongated pieces of carpeting or

individual pieces that can be placed on each step. If carpeting doesn’t fit with the home’s design, painting individual stair treads also can create visual appeal. • Dress up the entryway. An entryway is a guest’s first impression of a home. Many entryways can use a minor overhaul, both inside and outside. Paint the front door a different color so it pops from the curb. Install a new mailbox or decorative house numbers. Inside, consider laying a new floor. Resilient vinyl tiles come in many different patterns and can mimic the look of wood, travertine or marble. • Install a new faucet. Instantly improve a kitchen or a bathroom with new fixtures. New faucets can provide aesthetic appeal and low-flow faucets can help conserve water. • Create a gallery on the staircase. Gather and arrange framed photos, artwork or wall accents so that they ascend the wall of a staircase. This creates a designer touch and can dress up an often barren area of wall space. • Install a fresh light fixture. Improve drab spaces with a little illumination. Better Homes & Gardens suggests replacing an existing fixture with something new and vibrant. If hanging a new fixture is not within one’s skill set, free-standing table or floor lamps also can cast a new glow on a space.

SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

SM-CL1526375

• Friday, April 27, 2018

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Friday, April 27, 2018

| SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

Surviving a home renovation Homeowners invest large sums into improving their homes to make them more comfortable living spaces or to increase their odds of selling quickly. The Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University predicted U.S. spending on home renovations and repairs to peak at $327 billion in 2017. Whether one is doing a large renovation or a small remodel, life may be turned upside down during the project. Furniture may be moved out of the room, walls may be demolished, water or electricity may be turned off, and appliances may be missing or not hooked up. Here’s how to look forward to the silver lining and come out unscathed.

Have everything in place … Before demolition even begins, have building materials bought and stored, contractors and subcontractors lined up, and see what you can do to minimize the time workers need to spend in your home.

… but expect delays. In a world where things move at lightning speeds, renovations have not gotten the memo. Home projects take lots of time and will likely take longer if you are doing the work yourself in your free time. Build lots of extra time into the project so you are not disappointed when delays happen.

Plan an escape zone Construction environments can be messy, loud, smelly, and a host of other unsavory adjectives. The chaos that ensues Discuss the project before it starts. All family members should be in agreement when life is turned upside down can be overwhelming, particularly for the person before the first hammer is swung. Decide who spends the most time in the home on as many details as you can ahead while work is being done. Build escape of time and have a firm plan in place. moments into the plan and make sure Establish back-up choices for tiles or color schemes in case the items you want are out everyone else at home is on board. During the real grind of the project, a night or two of stock. Trying to make decisions under at a hotel may be a welcome respite. duress may result in bad choices.

Planning, patience and an understanding of what the project entails can make home improvements easier to survive.

Spring cleaning can alleviate allergies

Leave carpet and upholstery shampooing to the professionals, as excess moisture can contribute to mold and dust mites, which aggravate allergy symptoms. Allergies affect people of all ages. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that allergic rhinitis affects between 10 and 30 percent of the world’s population. In addition, the prevalence of allergic diseases has risen in industrialized nations for more than 50 years. Seasonal allergies tend to be the strongest in spring and autumn. Allergies can be exacerbated by many factors, including in homes where improvements are being made. Regular housecleaning can remove many common allergy triggers and help alleviate symptoms. Suit up Before any cleaning begins, allergy sufferers should don face masks and rubber gloves to prevent themselves from breathing in allergens or

having them touch their hands, where they can be transferred to the face or elsewhere. Clean windows singularly Prolonged exposure to outdoor allergens, such as pollen, mold or ragweed, can aggravate allergies. Therefore, if windows are being cleaned, do one at a time and then promptly close the window. Having the air conditioning running can help filter the air as well. Use exhaust fans The AAAAI recommends using an exhaust fan in the kitchen and bathrooms to reduce the levels of moisture in these rooms and filter out potential allergens and odors. Moisture can eventually lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which isn’t healthy for anyone, including allergy sufferers, to breathe in. Invest in a HEPA filter Vacuums with HEPA filters can trap allergens that are so small that they pass through regular vacuum filters. That means instead of containing them, these small particles are only being shot back into the air where they are easily breathed in. WebMD suggests vacuuming once or twice a week to keep carpets and floors as clean as possible. Plus, don’t forget to vacuum upholstered furniture and drapes as well. Launder with hot water When it comes time to wash linens, do so in hot water, which can kill dust mites residing in sheets and blankets. Employ mattress covers to further protect against dust mite allergies. Shampoo smart Shampooing a carpet may cause moisture to become trapped in the carpet fibers, leading to increased dust mites or mold growth. Spot-clean stains instead. Otherwise, hire a professional cleaner who will clean and dry the carpet as quickly as possible.

(MS) — Be ready to enjoy the warm days of spring and summer with an “updated” outdoor dining/living/garden area that is welcoming and efficient. Woodcraft has the tools and supplies you will need, along with helpful advice at your local store and free how-to articles on Woodcraft. com.

Projects

Take stock of your outdoor furniture — do you need more? Would colorful new Adirondack chairs, a new picnic table and maybe a garden bench and planters be more inviting? Or perhaps a cleanup and new paint would bring your existing furniture to life for another season? Does your porch/patio/deck area need to be resurfaced or enlarged? Streamline your dining by building mobile carts to transport food for prep and for serving. Add a butcher block top to the food prep cart and storage drawers to both, and improve the efficiency and pleasure of your dining experience. Gardeners may want to build a potting bench and wooden flatbed wagon to haul plants and supplies.

Tools, Supplies and How-Tos

Kreg’s Mobile Project Center offers a versatile work surface that can be used indoors or outside for tasks like the one these do-it-yourselfers have undertaken —laying out interior trim prior to installation. HOMERIGHT’s Finish Max HVLP Sprayer will spray most solvent (except lacquer and conversion varnish) or water-based products — latex paint, milk paint, chalk paint, furniture paint, stains, and finishes. It’s easy to set up, use and clean. When painting furniture, consider using the HOMERIGHT Large Spray Shelter. When painting small accessories, opt for the Small Spray Shelter. For furniture that needs some TLC, read “Restoring Outdoor Projects” on Woodcraft.com to learn how to determine what needs to be deep cleaned, repaired, rebuilt and repainted. Handy helpers for the TLC process include Blue Bear Paint and Urethane Stripper, Krud Kutter No-Rinse Prepaint Cleaner, Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue, SculpWood Putty, and Briwax ChaiRX.

Custom Garden & Game Projects

Turn a unique transplanter, cultivator and weeder with the three-piece WoodRiver Garden Tool Turning Kit constructed of durable, cast aluminum. Turning blanks for the handle, sold separately, may be made from wood, acrylic or another man-made material. Build a wooden croquet set with help from “Picnic Perfect Croquet Set” in Issue 65 of Woodcraft Magazine. Subscribers can download the article free, or the issue can be purchased at Woodcraft.com. To learn more about these and other products, visit your local Woodcraft store, call (800) 535-4482 or visit www.Woodcraft.com.

• Friday, April 27, 2018

“Make anywhere your workspace with the Kreg Mobile Project Center,” Woodcraft senior product manager Peter Collins said. “It’s a portable workbench, sawhorse, assembly table, and clamping station all in one that provides a versatile work space for DIY, repair, and woodworking projects.” The large 273⁄4” x 311⁄2” polypropylene work surface supports a 350lb. load capacity, and two centers can be connected to double the work area. Collins also suggested adding the new Kreg In-line Bench Clamp and Bench Clamp System for Dog Holes to make almost every clamping task possible. Visit Woodcraft.com to see Building Plans for Outdoor Furniture, as well as Adirondack chair templates. Woodcraft.com also offers a large number of how-to articles such as “Laid Back in a Classic Adirondack” that shows how to build with Adirondack chair templates, while “WoodSense: Spotlight on Outdoor Projects,” describes woods that work well outdoors. For building projects, the Freeman 11⁄4” 18-Gauge Brad Nailer is a professional quality, innovative home improvement tool that is great for furniture. Its oil-free operation requires no regular maintenance and eliminates the risk of stains on project surfaces. If your joinery choice requires screws, the Groz Insta Drive Screwdriver features a patented retractable, rotating bit cartridge that makes it easy to find, store and change driver bits. For hauling lumber or other large items to your project site, use the Xstrap Heavy Duty Ratchet Tie Down to hold up to 1,000 pounds in place on a truck bed. To finish new furniture or recolor existing pieces — and brighten your outdoor landscape — choose one of the 28 premixed General Finishes Milk Paint colors that can be mixed, lightened, glazed, layered, antiqued, or distressed. Other good choices for outdoor surfaces include General Finishes Outdoor Oil Finish (use over exterior oil stain or exterior clear oil finishes for additional protection) and General Finishes 450 Varnish (minimizes fading, retards mold and fungus growth). For painting guidance, watch “Hand Applied Milk Paint from General Finishes at Woodcraft” and read “Create a Milk Paint Masterpiece” on Woodcraft.com.

SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com

Create an efficient, inviting outdoor living environment

Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Friday, April 27, 2018

| SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT

Rockin' Spring Carpet Sale at Murphy's Flooring Save up to $ plus ecial 24-month sp elect s ﬁnancing on ors Shaw Fditloapproved.

500

e . *Must beestcr ore for details Se

(815) 334-5985

2104 South Eastwood Drive, Woodstock IL 60098 (Route 47, ½ a block north of Route 14)