OTT_Fall Home Improvement_091623

Fall Home Improvement

•Decorating homes for Halloween

•The facts about insulation and home e ciency

•How to prepare a fireplace for the winter

•and much more

Decorating homes for Halloween

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you will find yards filled with inflat witty sayings on tombstone and bony business, with consumers spending according to a survey conducted by National Retail Federation. In fact, decorations, particularly outdoor popular way to celebrate Halloween

(candy still reigns supreme).

According to research by LombardoHome.com, which looked at Google searches across the country, Las Vegas, Denver, Baltimore, Portland, Oregon, and Seattle were the top five

states that searched the most for Halloween decorations on average per capita. Carved pumpkins, skeletons and witch cauldrons topped the list of preferred Halloween decorations

Halloween is an opportunity to pull out all the stops for this fun fall celebration. The following tips can help to turn any home into a Halloween

haunt to remember.

• Decide on a theme.

Most people fall into one of two camps when decorating for Halloween. There are those who want their homes to be frightening and full of horrific details, and others who prefer more of a fall harvest look. Identify your preferences and then gather decorative items accordingly.

• Shop early/late. Ideally, the best time to buy Halloween decorations is

the day after the holiday when prices get slashed (pun intended). This is the time to stock up on items for next year. You can save anywhere from 50 to 70 percent when buying late in the season. For those who need new items for this year’s Halloween, close-out retailers like HomeGoods and TJ Maxx start putting out Halloween products in the middle of summer. Stock up as soon as you see items, as they’re not likely to remain on shelves for long. By the time October rolls around, decorations may be gone.

• Subtle touches can work. Though some people just love covering every square foot of a property with all things Halloween, it’s also possible to make a big impact with minimal effort. Lighting, or lack thereof, can create a spooky atmosphere. Swap existing porch lights with yellow or

even black lights so everything glows. Candles flickering can add mystery. Place some battery-powered or electric candles in windows for an eerie feel. Swap out your typical curtains with purple or black ones to drape the house in even more spooky appeal.

• Wait on the carved pumpkins. Halloween seldom is complete without jack-o’-lanterns. But pumpkins often begin to degrade shortly after they’re first carved. Use artificial pumpkins if you plan to decorate early; otherwise, wait until a day or two before Halloween to add freshly carved pumpkins to the Halloween scape. Children can come up with the design, but ensure only adults cut into the pumpkins. Homeowners can quickly and easily transform their homes into spooky haunts this Halloween.

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What to know when picking new interior doors

Renovation projects run the gamut from patio paver installations to home additions to exterior lighting projects. There’s no end to the ways homeowners can tweak their properties as they aspire to renovate and transform the interior and exterior of their homes.

Interior door replacement projects can dramatically alter how a home looks, especially when existing doors are dated, damaged and/ or fading. Though homeowners may have grand visions of a new kitchen or outdoor living room when beginning such projects, they may not know where to begin when the time comes to replace interior doors. The following rundown can help homeowners as they begin to explore their options and start down the path of replacing interior doors.

MATERIALS

Interior doors are manufactured from an array of materials, some of which may be more effective at reducing noise than others. Wood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), solid-core, hollow-core, and even metal and glass are some of the materials categories for interior doors.

Homeowners can define what they prioritize with each door and then choose the material that aligns best with that goal.

INSTALLATION

Installation costs are another variable to consider when replacing interior doors. If the frame of the door is being replaced along with the door, homeowners may benefit from utilizing a professional installation team, as removing an existing frame and installing a new one is a complicated project. Pre-hung doors come ready to hang with hinges already attached, so skilled do-it-yourselfers may be able to hang these on their own. Installation costs can be expensive, but homeowners with little DIY experience are urged to work with professionals so a job can be completed correctly, on time and within budget.

STYLE AND DESIGN

Style and design merits consideration as well, and homeowners are urged to afford ample time to explore a wide array options that might be more expansive than homeowners realize. Hinged doors, pocket doors, French doors, and barn doors are

just some of the styles homeowners can choose from, and it may make sense to choose various styles when replacing all or most interior doors in a home. Each type of door typically comes in an assortment of designs as well, and it can take time to choose the right design for a given home.

HARDWARE

Hardware such as doorknobs and locks is easy to take for granted. However, homeowners replacing their interior doors will need to make these choices when picking new doors. Standard hardware offerings may disappoint upon installation, so afford ample time to doorknobs and other hardware to ensure the finished product impresses from the get-go. Customization of hardware may add a little extra to the final cost, but it should not be enough to bust a budget and will likely result in a more impressive finished product.

Interior door replacement can create a whole new look inside a home. Homeowners are urged to afford themselves ample time to consider their many options when replacing interior doors.

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A sense of pride comes from a successful do-it-yourself home improvement project. However, quite often inexperience and time constraints lead homeowners to turn to professional contractors to make sure jobs get done correctly and on time.

Allied Market Research reported in 2021 that the home improvement services market is predicted to reach $585.3 billion by 2030. The following are some reasons why renovation-minded homeowners benefit from the services of professionals.

• Tasks can be overwhelming: A home remodel is a large undertaking with many different steps. Contractors who

Why it pays to hire contractors for home renovations

have been around the block a time or two understand how to organize and manage time to get the job done. Plus, they’re devoting all of their attention and time toward the remodel when on the job. This differs from when a do-ityourselfer tries to work on a remodel in between other responsibilities.

• Network of suppliers: A good general contractor will have a list of material suppliers he or she routinely uses. Often contractors become preferred sellers, which means they get a lower wholesale rate, and will often pass those savings on to the customer.

• Licensed and bonded protection: Licensed and bonded contractors not

only have the skills for the job, they have insurance protection behind them. Therefore, if an injury occurs or the job goes awry, the homeowner will be protected from liability. A license means the contractor will have to uphold licensing standards, which could mean staying current on trade practices and skills.

• Expertise: Experienced contractors have done the work they have been hired to do many times, which means their skills are fine-tuned. Knowing the correct way to do a job results in fewer errors (and thus fewer repairs), shorter time periods to get the work done, and potentially lower costs overall.

• Frees up time: Homeowners who hire out for remodels can utilize their time in other ways, such as on the job or spending time with family.

• Reduces stress: Putting the work in capable hands means homeowners do not have to educate themselves about how to do the task, purchase tools, prevent injuries, and/or deal with potentially negative outcomes. Certainly having extra people in the house can be challenging, but it may not equal the stress caused by tackling a job on one’s own.

There are many advantages to hiring contractors to renovate a home instead of taking the DIY route. TF233752

The facts about insulation and home e ciency

Insulation is easily taken for granted. The following are some facts about insulation and home efficiency that illustrate how much homeowners can benefit from upgrading their insulation.

• Insulation is made from a variety of materials, including fiberglass, wool, cellulose, and spray foam.

• Unless damaged, insulation lasts for the life of the building. Some settling of insulation may occur, particularly with loose-fill type insulation, and gaps can be filled in.

• During the Middle Ages, walls of homes were stuffed with straw and mud to help keep out the cold. It is one of the first documented types of insulation.

• According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, insulation saves more than 600 times more energy each year than compact fluorescent lights, Energy Star Appliances, and Energy Star windows combined.

• For every Btu consumed in the production of insulation each year, 12 Btus are saved by the use of insulation, says A+ Insulation of Kansas City.

• An insulating material’s resistance to heat flow is measured in terms of its thermal resistance, or R-value. The

higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. An insulation contractor can let a homeowner know how much insulation and what R-value is recommended for his or her climate.

• Manufacturers continue to experiment with insulation materials. Environmentally friendly options include recycled cotton denim, paper or plant cellulose, and sheep’s wool.

• Large pieces of insulation are called batts. Traditionally they are made from pink fiberglass, which is extremely fine woven glass. It’s important to realize fiberglass insulation can release small particles or fibers in the air when disturbed, so respiratory protection and gloves should be used when handling to reduce risk of irritation.

Insulation is a key investment in home comfort and efficiency.

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How to prepare a fireplace for the winter

As hours of daylight shorten and fall gives way to winter, thoughts shift from fall foliage to spending time cuddling under warm blankets and being cozy indoors. A fireplace can improve the ambiance of any room and help to create a warm and welcoming gathering spot.

Home fireplaces typically are wood-burning or gas. Though maintenance for these fireplaces differs, certain preparatory steps must be taken to prepare a fireplace for winter.

CLEAR THE CLUTTER

Items can accumulate in areas that are not in use, and a fireplace is no exception. Take a few hours to remove any belongings from in front of the fireplace and clean the mantle thoroughly.

HAVE THE CHIMNEY CLEANED

Hire a professional chimney cleaning company to inspect the chimney and clean it thoroughly before winter. According to BobVila.com, a chimney should be cleaned once a year, or after about every 80 fires. The National Fire Protection Association says failure to properly clean chimneys is one of the leading contributors to home fires. That’s due to creosote, a highly

flammable residue that builds up in the flue that lines the chimney.

INSPECT THE INTERIOR

The interior of a wood-burning fireplace is likely lined with fire bricks. Check for cracks and loose joints. Hire a professional mason to make any repairs, as special materials are needed to withstand the heat of fires.

INSTALL A CHIMNEY CAP AND SCREEN

According to Family Handyman, a chimney cap is a protective covering that goes over the top of the chimney. It is made of steel or copper mesh with a cap on top. This protects the chimney from rain and downdrafts and keeps animals and debris from getting into the chimney.

PRUNE OVERHANGING BRANCHES

If there are trees close to the home and the chimney, cut them back, as they can be a fire hazard. Branches and leaves also can restrict the proper draft of the chimney.

ASSESS THE OUTDOOR VENT

Gas fireplaces typically emit exhaust through a vent in the home. Remove any blockages from the vent,

including leaves, cobwebs and debris.

CHECK GLASS OR OTHER COVERINGS

The glass or face of the fireplace helps regulate carbon monoxide exposure and protects people from the flames. Be sure the glass covering is intact.

CLEAN CERAMIC LOGS

Gas fireplaces use ceramic logs, rocks or beads that can become

dusty. Clean them prior to use. Dirty ceramic logs can be a fire hazard and produce an unpleasant burning smell.

CHECK THE BLOWER AND PILOT

If the fireplace has an electric blower, clean and dust it so it doesn’t become clogged. Inspect the pilot light for any wear and tear that includes wiring or structural issues.

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by home electric safety issues

Electricity helps run the world, including our homes and businesses. Without electricity, we’d have no access to lighting, our interior spaces may not be heated or cooled effectively, and the computers and other devices we rely on so heavily would not run.

Even though electricity is designed to make people’s lives more convenient, it’s easy to take it for granted and become complacent about the safety needed to use it effectively. The Electrical Safety Foundation International says each year electrical malfunctions account for 35,000 home fires causing more than 1,130 injuries, 500 deaths and $1.4 billion in property damage. Since the average American home was built in 1977, many existing homes of this age and older simply cannot handle modern demand for electricity without modification.

The following are some warning signs that electrical issues could lead to bigger problems:

• Tripping of circuit breakers or blowing of fuses regularly

• Dimming of lights when other devices are in use

• Buzzing sounds from outlets or switches

• Discolored outlets

• Seemingly underpowered appliances

Additional warning signs can include a tingling feeling when an electrical appliance is touched, rubbery smells or an aroma of burning.

Individuals can take certain precautions to ensure electrical safety at home and at work. Here are nine guidelines to follow, courtesy of the National Fire Protect.

1. Have any home you are buying or renting inspected by a qualified private inspector in accordance with local requirements.

2. When electrical work is needed, hire a qualified, licensed electrician.

3. Use only one heat-producing appliance plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time.

4. Do not use extension cords for major appliances like ovens, washers, stoves or microwaves. They should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet.

5. Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) should be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and basements to shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard.

6. Extension cords should only be used temporarily. Have an electrician install more outlets if they are needed.

7. Keep the area around the electric meter clear.

8. Make sure outdoor lights and other fixtures are rated for outdoor use.

9. Label the circuit breakers to understand the different circuits in the home and know which to turn off when electrical work is being conducted.

It doesn’t take much for an electrical issue to become serious and start a fire or cause shocking. Treat all electricity use in a home or business seriously. TF235980

1848-2023

Illinois’ longest operating lumberyard continues to thrive along Peru’s historic riverfront. Maze Lumber has been providing top quality building materials to Illinois Valley contractors and homeowners for 175 years, still owned by the founding fathers (Maze).

Located in a 15,000-square foot showroom and o ce, we o er building materials for the modern home as well as a full line of the traditional lumber items used in home building, commercial construction, and industrial applications. Our experienced sales sta takes pride in their ability to provide knowledgeable assistance along with prompt delivery at reasonable prices.

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